Glossary

Glossary

Abiotic factors	Relates to non-Living Agents that affect the health or development of trees.
Absorbing Roots	Microscopic roots, whose function is to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, can often be seen in combination with Mycorrhizae. Generally, found close to the soils surface to benefit from increase availability of oxygen, nutrients and water.
Acoustic	The use of sound to identify hollows and faults in trees since the used for decades, simply by banging the trunk with a mallet. With the use of modern highly sensitive equipment this basic system has been significantly improved.
Adaptive growth	In tree biomechanics, the process whereby wood formation is influenced both in quantity and quality by the action of gravitational forces and mechanical stresses on the cambial zone.
Aerobic	Conditions in which oxygen is freely available, or to biomechanical processes that depend on the presence of oxygen.
Anaerobic	A condition marked by the absence of oxygen; Generally such areas are unsuitable for normal life and growth of plant tissues. These sites tend to be populated by bacteria capable of surviving low oxygen conditions often associated with Slime Flux.
Annual Rings	The annual increment of wood in a tree or shrub as seen in transverse sections of the stems, branches or roots. As the increments are three-dimensional, they are cylinders or cones, rather than rings. In addition, they are not strictly annual, especially in minor roots and in some tropical species.
Arboricultural Implication Assessment	The early involvement of an arborist on a development site can avoid costly delays and mistakes whilst allowing a site to achieve its full potential and retain important trees.
Arboriculture	The culture and management of trees as groups and individuals primarily for amenity and other non-forestry purposes.
Arborist	A person possessing the technical competence through experience and related training to provide management of trees or other woody plants in a landscape setting. Generally involved with the development or management of trees for visual amenity or land management rather than the growth of trees for product or profit.
Architecture	In a tree, a term describing the pattern of branching of the crown or root system.
Ariel Inspection	The science of inspection is continually evolving, however, there can be little substitute for close inspection of a particular feature. We are happy to undertake a full Ariel inspection service, compliant with all heath and safety legislation.
Assessment	The process of estimating risk that a tree or group of trees poses to persons or property.
Avenue	A double row of trees, planted parallel, creating an arched effect over a path or highway. The use of avenues within the landscape is often associated with large formal landscapes a development of early paths / track being cut out of native forest or woodlands.
Bacteria	Microscopic single celled organisms, many species of which break down dead organic matter and some of which cause diseases in other organisms.
Bark	The tissues of woody plants outside the vascular cambium, including the Phloem, cortex and periderm occasionally applied only to the periderm or the phellem.
Barrier zone	A layer within an annual increment of wood which contains abnormal xylem cells, laid down by the cambium in response to wounding or other trauma.
Biomechanics	This area of tree care has come to the fore in recent years, enabling a more accurate assessment of tree stability to be undertaken. Often trees previously condemned, can be managed and confidently retained to offer ongoing benefits.
Body language	In trees, the outward display of growth responses and or deformation in response to mechanical stress.
Bole	Or Trunk, the main stem of a tree below its first major branch.
Boundaries	The laws relating to boundaries are well defined but not always clear-cut when hedgerows or trees are involved. We can provide information regarding the law and advice upon appropriate courses of action.
Bracing & Propping	The use of artificial support for a section of the tree is often regarded as a last resort upon trees likely to suffer failure. Considering the use of non-injurious bracing systems can provide many additional years of retention or provide time to establish replacements.
Bracket	A type of fruiting body produced by various fungal species, plate like to hoof like in shape and often a one sided attachment to the wood or bark.
Branch	A limb extending from the main stem or parent branch of a tree.
Branch bark ridge	The raised arc of bark tissue that forms within the acute angle between the branch and its parent stem.
Branch Collar	Trunk tissue that forms around the base of a branch between the main stem and the branch, or between a main branch and a lateral branch. As a branch decreases in vigour or begins to die, the collar usually becomes more pronounced and completely encircles the branch.
Brown rot	A type of wood decay in which is degraded whilst lignin is only modified.
Buttress Root	Roots that emerge from the base of the tree stem, normally large and well developed that rapidly reduce in diameter to create the Root Plate this offers structural support for the tree. Buttress roots divide rapidly forming the connection between the stem and the transport roots.
Cabling Bracing	Installation of steel cables, attached to lag screws or bolts placed in tree limbs, to provide additional support or to limit movement and stress of limbs. Recent developments have established non-injurious flexible systems that enable the partial movement of parts within reasonable limits enabling the trees to produce Reaction growth and forms an excellent alternative to Propping The installation of such features does require legal interpretation.
Callus	Undifferentiated cells often formed at the edges of recent injuries. This tissue quickly becomes differentiated, forming cells of the type characteristic of that position on the tree (e.g. forming wood, bark, roots, etc.) see wound response tissue.
Cambium	A thin layer of actively growing and dividing cells, located between the xylem (sapwood) and bark of a plant; the part responsible for radial growth of a tree stem or branch.
Canker	An area of dead bark caused by certain fungal infections. The continued annual development of bark around the area, increasingly make the feature more noticeable, often forming a target appearance.
Canopy	The topmost layer of twigs and foliage in a woodland, tree or group of trees.
Cavity	An open and exposed area of wood, where the bark is missing and internal wood has been decayed and dissolved.
Cellulose	A carbohydrate consisting of molecules bonded in strings to create filaments; a key component of plant cell walls. May be selectively destroyed by fungi.
Chlorophyll Photo-fluorescence	The way light is reflected from the surface of a leaf can provide a range of information upon the health or vigour of a tree.
Chlorotic	Also Chlorosis. A condition of the plant marked by yellowing of normally green foliage, often indicating nutrient deficiency or plant dysfunction.
Choosing a Contractor	When looking through local listings, choosing a contractor can be difficult when all are claiming to be the best. In simple terms, you need to be confident in their abilities, ensure they are qualified, insured and carry the relevant employees liability insurance. Legitimate contractors will be able to provide proof.
Cladoptosis	The shedding of twigs by abscission.
Clinometer	Devices that measures vertical angles, and provides direct height measurements of objects by triangulation.
Compartmentalisation	To seal off decay. The ability of the tree to restrict the spread of invasive organisms, such as decay fungi, by means of internal changes in cell structure and chemistry.
Compression Failure	Localized buckling of fibres and other longitudinal elements produced by compression of wood along the grain; compression failures sometimes develop in standing trees.
Compression Strength	The ability of a material or structure to resist failure when subjected to compressive loading; measurable in trees using special drilling devices
Compression Wood	Abnormal wood formed on the lower side of branches and curved stems, with physical properties different from normal wood.
Conservation Area	In Great Britain, designated areas of architectural or historical interest, in which there are special procedures for planning applications. Additionally tree works cannot generally be undertaken without prior notification (Currently 6 weeks) to the relevant local planning authority. See also Tree Preservation Orders.
Contaminated ground	The management of contaminated land is particularly of value on brown field or waste sites. Combined management of the soil and vegetation can go a long way in providing sustainability.
Contract documentation	Through the use of documentation, works to trees can be specified managed & monitored, this ensures that the correct works are administered and undertaken to the correct standard, enabling a fare comparison of tenders.
Contract Management	To ensure that the correct works are administered and avoid the negative effects of under or over pruning, we offer a contract management service to free clients from the need to site manage.
Core Sample	A sample of wood extracted from a trunk or branch, using an increment borer tool. The resulting core can be analysed for characteristics of growth, wood strength, structure, decay, and for species identification.
Crotch	The union of two or more branches; the auxiliary zone between branches.
Crown	The upper portion of a tree or shrub, including the main limbs, branches, and twigs.
Decay	Progressive deterioration of organic tissues, usually caused by fungal or bacterial organisms, resulting in loss of cell structure, strength, and function. In wood, the loss of structural strength.
Decay Detection	The assessment of decay within a tree has been traditionally difficult, but recent advances have made it possible to achieve accurate representations of the internal section of a tree in both 2D and 3D, removing doubt over the condition of the tree and allowing accurate management decisions.
Decline	Progressive reduction of health or vigour of a plant.
Decurrent	In trees a, system of branching in which the crown is borne on a number of major widely spreading limbs of similar size. In fungi relates to toadstools whose gills run down the stem and leaves and other plant organs, which extend down the stem.
Defect	In relation to tree hazards, any feature of a tree which detracts from the uniform distribution of mechanical stress, or which makes the tree mechanically unsuited to its environment.
Delaminating	An internal defect: separation of wood, usually seen in hazard beams usually following growth rings or sites of old injuries, or compartmentalization zones.
Desiccation	The drying out of plant tissues, including leaves, twigs, bud, bark or roots, leading to death of those tissues.
Design & Planting	Through the use of design, there are many improvements that can be made to a landscape. A broad knowledge of trees along with general horticulture enables us to offer low maintenance solutions, whilst creating attractive manageable schemes.
Dieback	Progressive death of buds, twigs and branch tissues, on individual limbs resulting in Deadwood, or throughout the canopy, extreme cases can result in Stag Heading.
Discoloured Wood	Wood tissue that is not of normal colour due to invasion by pre-decay organisms following injury; a precursor to decay.
Disease	A malfunction in or destruction, of tissues within a living organism, usually not taken to include mechanical damage; in trees, usually caused by pathogenic micro-organisms
DNA Analysis	Such assessment can provide vital information regarding the identification of trees implicated with structural damage by DNA matching of roots and aerial parts.
Dominance	In trees, the tendency for a leading shoot to maintain a faster rate of expansion than the lateral shoots through the effects of hormonal control; also the tendency of a tree to maintain a taller crown than its neighbours.
Dripline	A projected line on the ground that corresponds to the spread of branches in the canopy; the farthest spread of branches.
Dysfunction	In woody tissue, the loss of physiological function especially water conduction.
Energy	The capacity to do work (Through photosynthesis, green plants absorb energy from sunlight and store it in the from of chemical compounds which are used in energy dependent processes such as growth).
Epicormic Shoot	Shoots or roots that are initiated on mature woody stems, often as a response to physiological stress. Shoots may form in this way or they may be adventitious.
Epinasty	Twisted or distorted growth of plant parts. A deformation of the plant caused by chemical damage or a pathogen.
Excurrent	In trees, a system of branching that a single leader remains dominant, through the control of lateral branches.
Failure	In connection with tree hazards, a partial or total fracture within the wood tissue or loss of cohesion between roots and soil. (In total failure affected parts will snap or tear away completely, Partial failure there is a crack or deformation, which results in an altered distribution of mechanical stress.
Felling Licence	In Great Britain, a permit to fell trees in excess of a certain size or total volume.
Fertilization	The process of adding nutrients to a tree or plant; usually done by incorporating the nutrients into the soil, but sometimes by foliar application or injection directly into living tissues.
Flush-Cut	In trees and shrubs, a pruning cut close to the parent stem, which removes the branch bark ridge.
Foliage	The live leaves or needles of the tree; the plant part primarily responsible for photosynthesis.
Fruit tree pruning management	This can be an area of tree management that is shrouded in mystery and folk law. Fortunately, this is not the case and we often help clients steer a path through the establishment and restoration of fruit orchards.
Functional wood	A term usually applied to sapwood which is living and conductive; more properly ‘physiologically functional wood’ to avoid confusion with mechanical function, which continues after death.
Fungal identification	The identification of fungi is often a rare chance to correctly record the presence of structural defects or factors that may significantly influence the stability of a tree. Always be cautious, if in doubt, Ask!
Gall	An abnormal, disorganized growth of plant tissues, caused by parasitic or infectious organisms such as insects, fungi, bacteria, or viruses.
Girdling	In woody plants, any form of damage that destroys the bark and / or the Cambium all the way around the stem, branch or root, normally resulting in death of the damaged section.
Girdling Root	In woody plants, a root that grows across the buttress, or across other roots, eventually causing constriction of the radial growth.
Ground improvement	Particularly within the urban area trees can become subject to many root related problems that can be helped through a series of improvements to the rootzone, this can be specific cultivation techniques or management methods aimed at improving the condition of the overall tree.
Ground Penetrating Radar	The area of technology is not yet fully developed, but even basic systems can provide valuable information upon the architecture of trees without the need for excavation.
Growth Increment	The incremental growth added as new annual ring develops each season over existing wood. This is seen as (growth) rings in cross-sections of wood.
Growth Substance	Chemicals produced within the plant that affects the growth of other parts of the plant as they are translocated.
Hazard beam	In a tree, an upwardly curved part in which the strong internal stresses may occur without the compensatory formation of extra wood leading to the creation of a typical taper, such features may be accompanied with longitudinal ribs, the result of internal delaminating.
Health & Safety	A basic requirement of most site owners or managers is to ensure that a tree is safe. There is no such thing as a safe tree though with regular assessment of general health, risk can be controlled.
Health Assessment	The assessment of health and vigour, is generally the starting point of any appraisal, ensuring the tree is worthy of further assessment / investment.
Heartwood	Xylem wood tissue, often slightly discoloured, representing the inner growth rings of the wood. Mostly non-reactive wood cells. Usually providing structural strength to the tree. See Sapwood
Heave	In relation to shrinkable clay soils, expansion due to rewetting of a volume of soil previously subjected to the removal or water by plant / trees following felling or root severance. Also in relation to root growth, the lifting of pavements and other structures by radial expansion. Also in relation to tree stability, the lifting of one side of a wind rocked root plate.
Herbicide	A chemical compound that causes the death of a plant.
High Hedge	The long awaited ‘High Hedge Bill’ has been included within the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, which is due for adoption in mid 2004. This defines the criteria and solution to disputes.
Included bark	Bark or cortex tissue that is included or trapped between close-growing branches. Usually found in narrow or tight crotches. This can prevent the correct joining of individual features, leading to the premature failure of sections.
Increment	See growth increment
Increment Borer	A tool that cuts and extracts a narrow cylinder of wood from a tree for analysis of the wood tissue and growth increments.
Infrared Photographic Analysis	The particular assessment can provide clear-cut information upon the health of a tree, this style of assessment is particularly useful for the assessment of large numbers of tree. Totally un-invasive.
Internodal	The part of a twig between two nodes, or points of beginning of annual twig growth. The node is formed at the end of each year’s growth.
Inventory	It is difficult for any manager / owner to construct a sensible management system until it is clear which trees are within their ownership and what is their general condition. This level of report will provide information on both location based upon GIS, CAD or traditional plans, additionally the general condition or requirement for further investigation can be identified, allowing resources to be allocated.
Irrigation	The installation and monitoring of trees water requirements can help during drought or stressful episodes following transplanting or recent local soil changes.
Leader	The top most shoot that has apical dominance.
Lever Arm	A mechanical term referring to the length of a lever that is free to move at one end, such as a tree or one of its branches
Lightning Protection	Valuable trees, particularly those in open positions can be prone to damage from Lightening. The use of specific tree friendly systems can help to protect valuable trees.
Lignin	The hard cement like constitute of wood cells found within the Cellulose matrix. Lignification is the addition of lignin to the cellulose filaments. Lignin can be specifically removed by certain fungi.
Limb	A large lateral branch growing from the main trunk or from another larger branch.
Lion Tailing	Often the result of poor pruning practices; the main leader or branches are largely devoid of side branches, growth is restricted to the end of branches and is likely to suffer damage through end loading.
Live Crown Ratio	The proportion of the total height of the tree that is represented by live branch growth within the canopy. Used as an indicator of potential vitality, when compared as a ratio to the woody mass of the tree.
Lopping	In trees, a general term that related to the removal of branches from a tree.
Macronutrient	One of six elements required in relatively large quantities by a plant for metabolic processes; essential to plant health. (See micronutrient)
Microclimate	Small, localized areas where conditions of temperature, wind, humidity, etc., may vary from the general surrounding conditions.
Micronutrient	One of seven elements required in small quantities by a plant for metabolic processes; essential to plant health. (See macronutrient)
Monitoring	Due to the relative life span of trees in relation to our own, long-term monitoring provides a valuable insight to the health of trees, identifying decline and or stabilisation and or improvement.
Mulch	A material laid over the root system of a tree to help conserve moisture within the soil. Additionally it may help control the development of weeds close o the tree.
Mycelium	A mass of growing filaments (hyphae) formed by fungi.
Mycorrhizae	A term given to the symbiotic relationship between roots and certain beneficial fungi. Mycorrhizae are the combined root / fungal growth.
Natural Pruning	The shedding of a branch or twig that has died back naturally and has become decayed at or near its base.
Necrosis	The failure and subsequent death of a branch, leader or tree.
Negligence	A failure to take reasonable action to deal with a hazard to prevent damage to property or person.
Node	The point were a leaf is connected to a shoot, the point were an auxiliary bud may develop
Nutrient	Substances that are absorbed by living organisms for the maintenance of internal processes.
Occluding tissue	The general tern of wood, cambium and bark that develop around the site of a wound on a woody plant
Pathogen	A disease-causing organism, usually a fungus in plants, but may also be viral or bacterial.
Pathogen	A microorganism that causes diseases within another organism.
Pest & Disease Management	Through early identification of pest and disease appropriate management can be undertaken to reduce the effect on individuals.
Petiole	The stem of the leaf, attaching the leaf blade to the twig.
PH	A logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen ion concentration in moles per litre of a solution, giving a measure of its acidity or alkalinity.
Phloem	The principle conductive tissue that the products of Photosynthesis are transported around the plant
Photosynthesis	The process were light energy is used to create energy (Carbohydrate) for use within the plant.
Planting	Planting and species selection is the best chance at reducing future management problems. Through the selection of the correct tree species or cultivars we can help select a tree that will become and asset and increase the value of a location.
Pollard	A term for a pollarded tree.
Pollard head	The swollen section of branch / stem that forms behind the pollarding cut.
Pollarding	The complete or partial removal of the crown of a young tree so as to encourage the development of numerous branches either for amenity or historically as fodder, repeated management is required cyclically to maintain the feature
Post Damage	Independent rapid assessment of damage can allow cost effective solutions to potentially major damage.
Post Development	Monitoring following construction will identify the response of trees to the altered root zone and ensure appropriate management. Construction damage can take up to a decade to become apparent, commonly, others reasons are found for tree decline.
Pre installation	Whether it is the installation of services or a development, identifying potential pinch points prior to being on site allows adjustments to installation techniques to be made saving tree loss or costly confrontation through failures.
Pre purchase	Often property purchase is an individuals largest investment, trees may pose a significant risk to the fabric of the building or other features, pre purchase inspections aim to provide a level of information that enables a balanced decision upon the management of the site, whilst reducing future risk were possible.
Pre-development survey	Provides a cultural assessment of the existing trees within a site to identify their condition and retention potential. The information is provided in accordance with BS5837 :1991 and allows the identification of development windows within the proposed development site.
Preventative action	In tree Hazard management, action which helps to prevent damage to property or injury to person.
Propping	The use of artificial apparatus to support living sections of a tree that may be prone to failure. The installation of such features does require legal interpretation.
Prune or Pruning	Selective removal of woody plant parts of any size, using saws, Loppers, Secateurs, or other pruning tools.
Rams Horn	In connection with wounds on trees, a roll of wound wood or occluding tissues that has a spiral appearance in cross section. Opposing faces may result in the formation of cracks as they connect.
Reaction Wood	Wood with distinctive anatomical and physical characteristics, formed in parts of leaning or crooked stems and in branches to provide additional strength / support. In hardwoods, tension wood usually forms. In conifers, compression wood is usually found.
Reaction Zone	A zone normally darker than surrounding wood that denoted the boundary often a defensive one between functional sapwood and dysfunctional or decaying wood.
Rejuvenation pruning	Where historically or environmentally important trees are to be retained, their life spans can be significantly extended through the adoption of particular pruning regimes.
Rejuvenation root treatment	Management of the rootzone can have a significant positive effect upon the health of trees. Physical, mechanical and biological approaches are available and can be prescribed in accordance within the constraints of individual sites.
Remedial Action	In tree hazard management, action to mitigate or remove the risk of injury to persons or property.
Report types	We endeavour to tailor reports to clients individual requirements, these can range from Verbal Assessments enabling clients the opportunity to 'What if? /Question & Answer’, through simple covering letters, tabular reports and specifications. If the information is of a more formal nature, then a range of technical documents can be created to cover most situations.
Resistance	In tree health, an assessment of at trees ability to with stands site change or attack by a pathogen.
Resistograph	The highly sensitive tool can be used to give an insight into the growth rate of a tree or used to confirm the location of decay within the tree, by drilling a small hole and recording the resistance the wood offers to the probe. Invasive though very small hole diameter.
Rib	In tree body language, a long narrow, axial protuberance which often over lays a crack.
Right to Light	Right to light is always a contentious are, we can assist in defining the law.
Ring Barking	Artificial Girdling of the stem, to result in the death of a tree. May be used in habitat creation were the retention of dead standing trees is required.
Risk	The likelihood of potential damage occurring to a feature or a hazard resulting in harm.
Risk Assessment	Under numerous acts and common law, there is a duty of care upon tree owners to ensure that trees are retained within reasonable levels of risk. Regular inspection of trees is essential to identify risk and apply adequate control. Trees are dynamic organisms affected by numerous environmental factors, therefore, health and condition can change rapidly thus risk assessment must be ongoing.
Rod Bracing / Bolting	Traditionally, this has relied upon the Installation of steel rods or bolts through the stems or limbs, to reduce twisting or splitting of the wood. The installation of such features does require legal interpretation.
Root Barriers	Both Buildings and services can benefit from the installation of root barriers to protect a soil volume from the ingress of roots.
Root Collar	The basal area of the tree; transition zone from trunk to root. Also sometimes called trunk flare.
Root Identification	In many situations, it becomes critical to know precisely which tree has been involved with damage. This is achieved through accurate identification of Genera through root cross section comparison, where groups of similar species exist then identification needs to be undertaken by DNA analysis.
Root Plate	The primary support area for the tree; an area of the root system close to the base that structurally anchors the tree to the soil.
Root Rot	Either a general term for decay within the wood of the lower stem / buttress roots, or a disease in which the fine roots are killed.
Root System	The portion of the tree containing the root organs, including buttress roots, transport roots, and fine absorbing roots; all underground parts of the tree.
Root Zone	The area and volume of soil around the tree in which roots are expected. May extend to three or more times the branch spread of the tree, or several times the height of the tree.
Sail Area	In arboriculture, a general description for the wind intercepting area of a trees live crown. This can vary with both orientation and season.
Sanitation	In plant disease control, the removal of material that could a source of infection by a pathogen. Removal of diseased plant parts, such as fallen leaves and twigs, and pruning of dead and diseased branches. Diseased parts should be burned or buried under soil or active compost.
Sapwood	Xylem wood tissue, usually light in colour, representing the outer growth rings of the wood. Usually living, reactive wood tissue, in a healthy tree. See heartwood
Scaffold limb	The branches that from the main network framework of the crown of a tree with a decurrent habit.
Second opinion	We are frequently asked to assess TPO’s, reports and other documentation and indeed visual assessments to confirm or clarify findings.
Shrub	A woody plat that branches at or close to the ground level and so does not have a single stem.
Slime Flux	Relating to a toxic condition from the spreading of bacteria or their products from a source of infection; characterized by malodorous gases, or salt deposits upon the bark. If these products enter the sap stream, localised vessel necrosis can result, usually associated with anaerobic conditions.
Snag	In a woody plant, a portion of cut or broken stem which extends beyond any growing point or dormant bud.
Soft Rot	A kind of wood decay, were a fungi degrades cellulose within the cell wall, without causing overall degradation.
Soil Assessment	Assessment of soils is critical when connecting the possible interaction of trees with buildings. Thorough assessment can be helpful in mitigating the effect of future growth and can be helpful at the design stage of developments.
Soil Compaction	The compression of soil, causing a reduction of pore space and an increase in the density of the soil. Air is squeezed out and nutrients become locked. Tree roots cannot grow in compacted soil.
Soil Improvements	Various methods to improve the soils close to trees can improve root performance significantly and have a positive effect upon the health of trees. Physical, mechanical and biological approaches are available and can be prescribed in accordance within the constraints of individual sites.
Soil pH	Also pH. A measure of acidity, on a scale of 1.0 to 14.0. PH 7.0 is neutral (water), pH 1.0 is extremely acid, and pH 14.0 is extremely alkaline.
Soil Profile	The characteristics of a soil as regards to relative depth; the changes in soil texture and composition that occur with depth.
Soil Texture	The classification of the constituent particles of soil; includes sand, silt and clay particles. Directly related to soil porosity, permeability, and aeration.
Specification	Various technical specifications can be prepared, from development site management to simple pruning instructions, a specification is essential to ensure that all physical and biological issues have been considered.
Sprout	Also Epicormic shoot. A shoot or stem that grows from the bark of a tree; adventitious or secondary growth generally the result of physiological stress.
Stability Assessment - pulling	Trees can be put under load to simulate gale force wind conditions, their response to load is measured digitally to determine their likelihood of withstanding prolonged load situations. In some situations, the physical attributes of the tree can indicate its ability to withstand load.
Stag Heading	In a tree, a state of dieback were dead branches protrude beyond the current living crown.
Strain	In mechanics, the distortion of an object, the result of stress.
Strategy	Following an inventory, the information can be analysed and a long-term strategy formulated for the planned removal, pruning and replacement of trees thus ensuring pro-active management and long term tree cover.
Stress	In plant physiology, conditions were one or more physiological functions Are not working within normal parameters. In mechanics, force acting upon an object, measured per unit area of the object.
Subsidence	In relation to soils, the removal of water by plant growth result in localised shrinkage in the soil volume.
Sucker	Same as sprout.
Survey types	As no client has the same requirement it is difficult to create 'a one size fits all' assessment. We try and personalise assessments as far as possible, these can range from brief walk by visual assessment to detailed internal assessment of particular features.
Systemic	Affecting the whole plant or organism. A systemic compound is carried throughout the entire plant to all parts through the vascular system.
Target	Any person or object within reach of a falling tree or part of a tree that may be injured or damaged.
Target Pruning	The pruning of a branch were the wound affects only branch material, often result in a target shaped wound.
Tension Wood	Reaction wood typically formed on the upper side of limbs or curved stems; characterized by lack of cell wall lignifications (higher ratios of cellulose to lignin).
Thermography	The use of very sensitive equipment can detect small temperature changes within the volume of a tree, these small changes are used to identify the location of decay, faults and water pockets. Totally un-invasive.
Tight Crotch	Also, narrow crotch. A crotch with a narrow angle between branches, often having included bark.
Tomography	The comparison of sound or stress waves through the tree allows the creation of a 2D or 3D representation of the internal structure of a stem or branch section and highlights areas of damage. Virtually non-injurious.
Topography	The configuration of surface features, including the vertical and horizontal relationships or positions of the ground and other features.
Topping	The practice of cutting large limbs back severely, without regard to form or habit of the tree. Cuts are usually made between lateral branch nodes. This practice is extremely injurious to trees, and promotes decay and structural weakness within the canopy.
Tree	A woody plant that typically has a single stem, at maturity has a height of a least 4 metres and a stem diameter at breast height of at least 75mm.
Tree Law	Tree law is complex and covers many issues; we can provide or clarify many legal aspects concerning trees.
Tree Preservation Order	In Great Britain, an order made by the local planning authority, were consent must be gained before undertaking all but exempt works to a tree.
Trunk Flare	The basal area of the trunk that flares or widens, and merges with the main roots. See root collar
Veteran Tree Management	Veteran trees are often found in large parks or estates and commonly affected by extensive decay or have been subject to extensive works. These trees are retained for historical importance and often pose greater risk than normal, which is generally justified. Such trees need careful management and often propping or bracing to support them, some require fencing to limit access.
Vigour	Active, healthy growth of plants: ability to respond to stress factors.
Visual Tree Assessment (VTA)	An assessment of the mechanical condition of trees based upon their ‘body language’. Trees are dynamic and respond to faults / decay / environmental factors in various ways, these responses can be indicative of structural integrity.
Wetwood	An infection caused by bacteria living inside the plant tissues. The bacteria ferment the plant fluids, resulting in death of nearby cells, and often causing exudations of fluid from the bark, often referred to as a Slime Flux.
White Rot	A kind if wood decay were a fungi attacks the lignin within the wood matrix
Wind pressure	The force excreted by the wind on a tree or other structure.
Windthrow	The blowing over of a tree at its roots.
Witches Broom	A deformed or unusual growth of twigs from adventitious buds, caused by insects, disease, or dieback of twigs and buds.
Wood	Secondary Xylem; the main structural support and water conducting tissue of trees and shrubs.
Wound Response Tissue	Also Occluding Tissue, Wound Wood or Callus. Differentiated wood tissue that grows around the margins of a wound or injury.
Wound Wood	See wound response tissue
Xylem	Plant tissues with special function of translocation of water and dissolved nutrients.

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