| 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. |