Re: Back to the Fundamentals
treepers@msn.com
Wed, 14 Aug 1996 21:42:19 -0500
Well my only assumption is that you have not actually practiced enough arboricultural studies in the field. I dont mean this to be negative or defensive, its just that some things cant be observed in the lab and this is one of them. Its obvious that by taking away leaf area we take food from the plant and thus decrease its vigor, however, in harsh environments such as the front range of northern colorado where I practice, crown thinning can mean the difference between losing a few branches or the whole tree. Here we are prone to high winds and heavy snow, sometimes before trees have defoliated. I as a horticulture graduate and certified arborist have studied the effects of crown thinning and have observed that some species greatly benefit. I think that you got many ultra defensive responses due to your implying that crown thinning is a scam to sell more work. Any arborist who is dedicated enough to be researching info on a page like this is likeley dedicated to his work and cares gre
atly about the trees he
works with. The effects of crown thinning would be difficult to study as the effects would vary so greatly between species and location. I think that it was incorporated into the isa standards because for certain trees it is neccessary. Isnt that what the standards are for? To allow each tree to be given what it needs and to give us a universal language that can be understood by our peers and clients. When crown thinning is practiced improperly or in the wrong situation it is certainly bad for a tree. I think that there will always be a difference between the scientific comunity and those practicing in the field. I beleive that what makes a good arborist is one who can objecitiveley look at both sides, be informed and use his knowledge of both perspectives to adapt to a certain situation. Trees are all different and have different needs individually. We certainly must question fundamental arboricultural assumptions and make exceptions every day. I hope you dont take these comments as
negative but its frustr
ating to see someone challenge so adimateley something you are certain is effective in preserving mature trees.