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An annual Arborist workshop focused on practical knowledge about mature tree care.
The workshop will be led by Phlip Van Wassenaer who holds a B.Sc. Environmental Sciences, Master of Forest Conservation, and is the principal consultant for Urban Forest Innovations, Inc., which specializes in the preservation, enhancement, and management of the urban forest using a research- and science-based approach. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, current Director at ASCA, a Past President and Director of the Ontario Urban Forest Council and a 2009 recipient of the ISA True Professionals of Arboriculture Award.
Mr. Van Wassenaer will cover the following topics:
Conservation Arboriculture: Practical Approaches to Managing Aging trees.
For many people, trees are just another part of daily life. While everyone relies on the ecological benefits that trees provide, people’s interactions with trees are often limited. Increasingly people realize that trees, like works of art or historic buildings, can be part of our cultural, spiritual and natural heritage. Old trees deserve the same care and attention devoted to maintaining other heritage artefacts. This presentation explains how trees become heritage artefacts and explores practical strategies to maintain such trees for the benefit of current and future generations. Case studies demonstrate their application to conserve significant trees across North America.
The following 2 segments will provide valuable background and insight into the skills and knowledge that may be required when hiring certificated arborists for projects.
Tree Risk Assessment Techniques, from Simple to Complex
Tree risk assessment is an evolving discipline, combining art and science to inform important decisions about tree maintenance and management. The discipline has evolved over time from simple visual assessment, to invasive drilling-based techniques, and finally to minimally-invasive, engineering-based methods. Today, a comprehensive tree risk assessment may draw on any number of tools and techniques to provide as good an evaluation of the risk presented by trees as possible.
The presentation will provide an overview of the science and theory of risk, cover a range of tree risk assessment techniques, and highlight the latest advancements in this important field. As a result, audience members will leave with a better understanding of what is involved in tree risk assessment, the limitations of traditional and advanced techniques, and the role of the risk assessment expert in challenging assessments.
Reduce the Crown, Retain the Tree
The presentation examines aspects of crown reduction from several different perspectives. An understanding of natural tree survival strategies informs management approaches for aging trees. Large pruning wounds can lead to significant decay and structural weakness but if too little is cut, the tree may break, also causing large wounds. How do we find the appropriate dose? The techniques used for maintaining aging trees can also be applied to younger trees and trees damaged by storms. Case studies and examples will be presented to illustrate the concepts and techniques described above.
The workshop will also include an outdoor component so participants can inspect mature trees and discuss real world examples of concepts covered by Philip. This will be led by professional arborists.
Throughout the day there will be opportunities for Q & A, idea sharing and discussion.