Helpful Tree Surgeon Terminology And What These Terms Mean

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Arboriculture

Arboriculture is the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. It is an essential practice in both urban and rural environments. Arborists are professionals trained in arboriculture, who understand the needs of trees and are equipped to provide proper care. They undertake a range of tasks, from selecting appropriate tree species for specific locations and climates, to diagnosing and treating tree diseases. Fundamentally, the goal of arboriculture is to ensure the health and longevity of trees, contributing to the overall Click here for a more detailed explanation

Arisings

Arisings, in gardening and landscaping, refers to the collective waste produced during the process. This may include grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, leaves, and branches. Proper management of arisings is essential to maintain an aesthetic and healthy environment. It can also be beneficial for the ecosystem when recycled as compost, providing a natural and nutrient-rich supplement for soil.

Adaptive growth

Adaptive growth showcases the remarkable resilience and flexibility of plants. It is their inherent ability to modify their physical structures and growth patterns in response to changing environmental conditions. This adaptability not only ensures their survival but also optimises their growth potential in various habitats, whether it's developing thick, waxy leaves to reduce water loss in dry climates or growing taller to compete for sunlight in dense forests. This fascinating aspect of plant behaviour underscores the dynamic and responsive nature of life on Earth.

Adventitious & Epicormic Growth

Adventitious and epicormic growth are two interesting aspects of plant development. Adventitious growth refers to the formation of new plant structures - such as roots, stems, or leaves - from non-standard initiation points, often as a response to stress or injury. It is a common survival strategy seen in many plant species. Epicormic growth, on the other hand, pertains to the sprouting of dormant buds lying beneath the bark of a tree, usually triggered by disturbances like fire or severe pruning. These growths can lead to the formation of new branches. Both these growth strategies underscore the resilience and adaptability of plants, enabling them to thrive even under challenging conditions.

Buttress Roots

Buttress roots are remarkable features found in many trees, particularly those in tropical rainforests. These roots, which grow outward from the base of the tree trunk, provide significant structural support, enabling the tree to stand tall and sturdy. These external roots also effectively absorb nutrients from the surface soil layer, which is often rich in organic matter in rainforest environments. Buttress roots are a powerful illustration of the adaptive growth capacity of plants, responding to both the need for stability in the dense forest ecosystem and the availability of nutrients in the top layers of the soil.

BS3998 Tree Work

BS3998 is a set of British Standard Recommendations specifically designed for tree work. It provides comprehensive guidelines and procedures to ensure proper tree management, including pruning, felling, and aftercare. The aim of these recommendations is to maintain the health and longevity of trees, while also ensuring safety for both people and property. Adherence to the BS3998 standard is crucial in arboriculture to maintain the vitality of our environment and uphold professional standards in the field.

BS5837 Tree Work For Construction

British Standard that provides guidelines for trees in relation to construction. It promotes the retention of valuable trees as an integral part of development planning, while also considering the impact of proposed development on existing trees. This includes ensuring the protection of trees during the construction phase to prevent damage. By implementing BS5837, we can maintain the aesthetic appeal, ecological value, and overall vitality of the environment while accommodating necessary development.

Crown

In tree surgery, the term 'Crown' refers to the top part of a tree, which includes branches and leaves. The shape and size of the crown can vary widely among tree species and are influenced by environmental conditions and pruning practices. Crown management is crucial for maintaining tree health and aesthetics. It involves processes such as crown thinning, crown lifting, and crown reduction, each of which serves a specific purpose. For instance, crown thinning enhances light penetration and reduces wind resistance, while crown lifting involves removing the lower branches to provide clearance for pedestrians or vehicles. On the other hand, crown reduction decreases the height or spread of the tree, often for safety reasons or to prevent interference with power lines or buildings.

Crown Cleaning

Crown Cleaning is another fundamental term in tree surgery. This refers to the process of removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches from the crown (the leafy top part) of the tree. Not only does this make the tree more aesthetically pleasing, but it also improves its overall health and vitality. By removing such branches, tree surgeons can prevent the spread of disease, reduce the weight of the crown, and decrease the risk of branch failure. This process also allows more light to penetrate through the tree's canopy, benefiting the tree itself and the understory vegetation around it.

​Crowning Thinning

Crowning or Canopy Thinning involves selectively removing branches to reduce the density of the tree's crown without altering its overall size and shape. This process improves the tree's structural integrity, allows more light to pass through the crown and reduces wind resistance. It's vital for tree surgeons to carry out crowning thinning professionally to avoid causing unnecessary stress to the tree. Moreover, it helps maintain the tree's aesthetic appeal while also reducing the risk of limb breakage, contributing to public safety.

Crown Lifting

Crown Lifting, also known as crown raising, is a tree pruning method that involves the removal of lower branches to increase the clearance between the ground and the tree crown. This technique is often undertaken to allow more light to penetrate beneath the tree or to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians. In a tree surgeon's terms, crown lifting should be done with caution, ensuring that no more than 15% of the crown is removed at a time, to maintain the tree's stability and health. It's also important to avoid removing large branches, as this could lead to significant wounds and potential decay.

Crown Reduction

Crown Reduction is another tree management technique often employed by tree surgeons. This procedure involves reducing the height and/or spread of the crown of a tree by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to lateral branches that are large enough to assume the terminal roles. The technique is used when the tree has become too large for its surroundings, or to reduce the damaging effect of wind on a tree that is structurally unsound. It's also a useful method for mitigating the risk of falling branches, particularly in public spaces or near buildings. This process should be executed skillfully to maintain the tree's natural shape and ensure its continued health.

Coppicing

Coppicing is an age-old method of woodland management that involves periodically cutting a tree down to the base to stimulate growth. This results in a multitude of new shoots emerging from the stump, known as a 'stool'. The process is usually repeated in cycles, allowing the shoots to grow into usable timber before they are cut down again. This technique not only ensures a sustainable supply of wood but also encourages biodiversity, as coppiced woodlands offer a varied and shifting habitat for various wildlife species. From a tree surgeon's perspective, coppicing requires an understanding of the appropriate timing and frequency of cutting to ensure the overall health and productivity of the trees.

Cable Bracing

Cable bracing is an effective arboricultural technique used to provide supplemental support to structurally weak trees. It involves the installation of flexible steel cables between major limbs or leaders to augment their strength and stability. This not only extends the longevity of the tree but also helps to mitigate the risk of damage from windstorms or the weight of ice and snow. Cable bracing should be carried out by a professional arborist to ensure the health of the tree and the safety of the surrounding environment.

Co-Dominant Stems

Co-dominant stems refer to a tree structure where two or more main stems (or leaders) of roughly the same diameter grow upward from the main trunk at narrow angles. This branching pattern can lead to structural instability as the stems or branches are often weakly attached, which increases the risk of failure under heavy loads, such as during high winds or under the weight of ice and snow. Proper pruning and tree management can help to alleviate potential risks associated with co-dominant stems, contributing to the overall health and longevity of the tree.

Dormant Trees

Dormant trees refer to trees that have entered a state of dormancy, a period of slowed metabolic activity that typically occurs in response to adverse environmental conditions. During the cold winter months, trees enter this resting phase to conserve energy and protect themselves from any potential damage from the harsh weather. This dormancy is comparable to hibernation in animals. Even though they may appear lifeless, dormant trees are still very much alive. They cease to grow and lose their leaves, but this is merely a survival strategy. Once the conditions are more favorable in the spring, the trees awaken from their dormancy, resuming growth and blooming once again. Understanding the dormancy phase is vital, especially in arboriculture, as it influences the timing of various tree care practices such as pruning, planting, and disease treatment.

Deadwooding

Deadwooding, an essential tree maintenance practice, involves the removal of dead, dying, or diseased branches from a tree. This procedure has several benefits, most notably promoting tree health by preventing the spread of disease and pests to the healthy portions of the tree. Furthermore, deadwooding can enhance safety by reducing the risk of falling branches, a particularly important consideration in public or frequently traversed spaces. Aesthetically, deadwooding can also improve the tree's appearance, helping to maintain and enhance the visual appeal of the landscape. For tree surgeons, performing deadwooding requires skill and precision to ensure it is done without causing further harm to the tree or surrounding property.

Drop Crotching

Drop crotching is a specific method of pruning used in arboriculture, aimed at reducing the size of a tree without causing damage. Unlike topping or lopping, which can cause significant harm to the tree's health and structure, drop crotching involves the careful removal of main branches or leaders back to a lateral branch that's large enough to assume the terminal role. Such a branch should be at least one-third of the diameter of the limb being removed. This method ensures a more natural appearance and promotes better tree health and longevity, as it helps maintain the tree's structural integrity and reduces the risk of disease entry. By understanding and employing proper pruning methods like drop crotching, one can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a landscape while preserving the vitality of its trees.

Fertilising Trees

Fertilising trees is an essential component of arboriculture, contributing significantly to the health and vitality of the tree. While trees can naturally extract the nutrients they need from the soil, in many urban or residential settings, the existing soil does not provide enough nutrients. Fertilisers can bridge this gap, supplying the tree with the necessary macro and micronutrients for growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The frequency and type of fertilisation depend largely on the species of the tree, the quality of the soil, and the specific nutrient deficiencies present. It is advisable to conduct a soil test before applying any fertiliser to determine its precise needs. When applied correctly, fertilisers can improve the growth rate, enhance leaf colour, increase resistance to disease and pests, and extend the tree's lifespan. However, over-fertilisation can be harmful and even toxic to trees, emphasising the importance of understanding and following appropriate fertilisation practices.

Felling

Felling is a crucial process in forestry where trees are cut down, typically using chainsaws and other specialised equipment. It's a highly skilled job that requires knowledge of the tree species, the way it grows, and the surrounding environment. When done correctly, felling a tree can minimise damage to the surrounding woodland and contribute to sustainable forestry management. Safety is paramount in this process, as incorrect felling can lead to serious injuries or property damage.

Formative Pruning

Formative pruning is a crucial practice especially in the early years of a tree's growth to help establish its ultimate framework. This process involves removing or reducing branches to shape the tree and encourage a strong, healthy growth pattern. While this concept may seem counterintuitive in relation to fungi, the same principle applies to their fruiting bodies. Just as a tree’s branches need monitoring and guidance, the growth and formation of fruiting bodies can be influenced by the fungus's environment. Similar to a gardener pruning a tree, nature subtly shapes and guides the organisms' development, ensuring the survival and propagation of the species.

Hazard Beam

A Hazard Beam refers to a section of a tree that poses a potential risk due to its structure or condition. It could be a branch that is dead, diseased, or structurally compromised and at risk of falling. An understanding of this term is crucial for tree surgeons, as identifying and properly managing hazard beams is a key aspect of maintaining tree health and ensuring public safety.

Lopping

'Lopping' is another key term in the tree surgeon's glossary. It refers to the practice of cutting branches or stems of a tree back to stubs or lateral branches not equipped to assume the terminal role. The intent is typically to control the size of the tree or to remove dead or diseased limbs. However, it's crucial to note that inappropriate lopping can lead to stress, decay, and imbalance in the tree's structure, possibly creating more hazard beams in the long run. Therefore, lopping should be performed judiciously by trained professionals.

Pollarding

Pollarding is a tree management method wherein the upper branches of a tree are cut back to promote a dense head of foliage and branches. This technique is typically used on mature trees, and is done to maintain trees at a predetermined height. From a tree surgeon's perspective, regular pollarding can prevent certain trees from outgrowing their surroundings and reduces the risk of branches breaking off and causing damage. Furthermore, it encourages the tree to develop a robust framework and can help in extending the tree's lifespan.

Pruning

Pruning is a significant term in the tree surgeon's vocabulary, referring to the process of selectively removing parts of a tree that are not required, such as branches, buds, or roots. The main goal of pruning is to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, improve the tree's structure, and direct new, healthy growth. Pruning can also increase air and light penetration into the tree's crown or to the landscape below. For a tree surgeon, regular and precise pruning is vital for the overall health and safety of the tree, and can enhance the aesthetic value of the tree within its environment.

Painting or Sealing

Painting or Sealing is a procedure often performed after tree pruning to protect the exposed areas on a tree. This process involves applying a protective coating to the cut surface, to prevent the invasion of pests and diseases. The procedure also speeds up the healing process, as it provides a barrier against harsh environmental conditions. However, it is important for tree surgeons to note that not all tree species require, or even benefit from, this treatment. Therefore, it's essential to have a thorough understanding of different tree species and their individual needs.

Retrenchment Pruning 

Retrenchment pruning is another essential term in tree surgeon vocabulary. It is a tree management method that involves the selective removal of outer branches to reduce the tree's size while maintaining its natural shape as much as possible. This technique is often employed when a tree becomes too large for its location, or to lessen the weight of potentially hazardous limbs. It's a gradual process carried out over several years to minimise shock to the tree, and it also encourages the growth of lower shoots, resulting in a healthier, more compact tree structure. This is a strategic way of preserving the tree, reducing risks, and sustaining its ecological value.

Root pruning

Root Pruning is another vital term in the tree surgeon's glossary. It refers to the process of cutting back a tree's roots to limit its growth and promote healthier root development. This technique is usually employed when a tree becomes too large for its environment, or its roots start to interfere with structures such as sidewalks, pavements, or even building foundations. Root pruning should be done with caution, as excessive or improper pruning can stress and potentially harm the tree. However, when done correctly, it can help manage a tree's size and enhance its overall health.

Stump Grinding & Stump Removal

Stump Grinding and Stump Removal are two critical terms in the lexicon of tree surgeons, concerned with the management of remaining tree stumps after felling.

Stump Grinding is a procedure carried out using a specialised machine that shreds the tree stump into small woodchips. This method is less intrusive to the surrounding landscape as it leaves the tree's roots in place, minimizing soil disruption. The resulting wood chips can be used as mulch for other plants or removed entirely.

Stump Removal, on the other hand, involves the complete extraction of the stump and the tree roots. This is a more labor-intensive process that leaves a significant hole in the ground but allows for immediate replanting. Tree surgeons need to carefully assess the situation to decide between stump grinding or stump removal, considering factors like the tree species, stump size, and future land use.

Sectional Dismantling

Sectional Dismantling is another essential term in the tree surgeon's vocabulary. This technique involves the removal of a tree in sections, which is particularly useful in urban areas where trees are often closely surrounded by buildings, power lines, or other structures. By using ropes and harnesses, the tree surgeon can safely climb the tree and gradually cut it down in manageable sections, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. This method requires a high degree of skill and precision, as it involves carefully lowering each section to the ground in a controlled manner to minimise impact and avoid damage to the surrounding property.

Selective Reduction

Selective reduction is another important term in tree surgery. This term refers to the process of pruning, thinning, and removing select branches within a tree's crown to reduce its density. The primary goals of selective reduction are to allow more light to penetrate through the tree, reduce wind resistance, and maintain the health and structural integrity of the tree. By reducing the overall strain on the tree's structural system, this method can help prevent damage during storms or high winds. For tree surgeons, the practice of selective reduction requires a deep understanding of tree biology to ensure the tree's health isn't compromised during the process.

Scaffold Branches

Scaffold branches are the primary limbs that make up a tree's structure and support its canopy. Proper identification and management of scaffold branches are critical aspects of tree care, as these branches significantly contribute to a tree's overall health, shape, and stability. Tree surgeons should monitor these branches for signs of disease or damage, as problems in these areas can have substantial impacts on the entire tree. Pruning techniques are often employed to guide the growth and development of scaffold branches, ensuring they are well-spaced, balanced, and positioned at appropriate angles for optimum tree health and aesthetics.

Sucker

A Sucker refers to a basal shoot that grows from a bud at the base of a tree or from its roots. This common term in tree surgery describes the growth of new shoots from the tree's root system, often seen in damaged or stressed trees. While suckers can sometimes help in the tree's recovery, they typically drain energy from the parent tree and can lead to a dense, bushy appearance. It's often necessary for tree surgeons to manage or remove these suckers to maintain the overall health and aesthetic appeal of the tree.

Tree Surgeon

People that are trained to plant and maintain trees
Assess hazardous and diseased trees and report findings
Prune and cut down trees when needed
Perform dangerous tasks when needed by climbing to great heights using chainsaws and other power tools.
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Thinning

Thinning is another crucial term in tree surgery. It refers to the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown of a tree. The process involves removing branches in a way that maintains the tree's natural shape while reducing its density. Thinning can be beneficial for a tree’s health by reducing weight on heavy limbs and helping retain the tree's natural shape. It also improves the tree's resistance to wind and can decrease the risk of storm damage. For tree surgeons, effective thinning requires an understanding of tree physiology to ensure that the process promotes healthy growth and does not harm the tree.

Veteran Tree

A Veteran Tree is a term used to describe a tree that has reached a significant age relative to others of the same species. These trees are of immense ecological and conservation value because they provide unique habitats for a range of flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity. For tree surgeons, these trees demand special care due to their age, historical significance, and the diverse wildlife they support. Veteran Trees often display signs of aging like hollowing, fungi, and decay, which are natural processes and not always indicative of poor health. However, their maintenance should be carried out with great sensitivity, respecting the tree's ecological role and ensuring its continued wellbeing.

Windblown or Windthrow

Windblown, also known as windthrow, is a term that tree surgeons use to describe a tree that has been uprooted or severely displaced by strong winds. This typically occurs during severe weather conditions and can lead to significant structural damage, both to the tree and any surrounding structures or property. Trees with shallow root systems, those in waterlogged soils, or those with a large canopy are particularly susceptible to windthrow. It is crucial for a tree surgeon to identify potential windthrow risks and to take preventative measures, like crown reduction, to reduce the chance of windthrow.

Tips on Hiring a Tree Surgeon

When you are looking to hire a tree surgeon, there are several important tips that you should keep in mind.

First, make sure the tree surgeon is licensed and insured. This will ensure that they have the necessary qualifications to safely and efficiently perform the job. Additionally, it will give you peace of mind knowing that if something were to happen during their work, their insurance would cover it.

Second, do your research when hiring a tree surgeon. Make sure to look into their experience and background information so you know what kind of service you can expect from them. Check reviews from past customers as well to get an idea of how satisfied people have been with their services.

Third, ask plenty of questions before settling on a tree surgeon. Make sure that they understand exactly what your needs are and how they can address them. Ask about any additional services they may offer, such as trimming, pruning, and stump grinding, so you know all of your options.

Fourth, discuss safety protocols with the tree surgeon before beginning the job. Confirm whether or not they will be wearing protective gear when working around hazardous tools, machinery and materials, such as power tools or chainsaws. Additionally, make sure to ask if there will be any other people involved in the project, such as crane operators or other contractors.

Finally, get references from the tree surgeon before agreeing to hire them for the job. Getting feedback from past customers is one of the best ways to ensure you are hiring a qualified professional. Ask for references from long-term customers and inquire about the quality of service they received. This will give you an idea about how reliable the tree surgeon is and if their work meets your expectations.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you hire a qualified tree surgeon who provides excellent services and works safely on your property. With the right information, tools, and research, you can be confident in making the selection that's best for your needs!

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