Science of Arboriculture

This presentation, led by Charles Cannon, will introduce the basic concepts of sap flow, the factors that influence it, and how it is measured, and then delve into collaborative research programs in long-term monitoring and experimental trials, ending with prospective uses of the data and technology. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, M, T, Bs)

Lignotuberous and epicormic buds are stress adaptations which can grow 4 m per annum and 300 mm per week using the capabilities of mature stem and root systems. Lignotuberous shoots are well-attached to root systems, but heavy, rapidly-growing epicormic shoots can fail. Both can be used to manipulate canopies. In a study conducted and discussed by Greg Moore, seedlings of Eucalyptus obliqua were heat stressed and decapitated in order to understand shoot production. In stressed trees, regeneration is from epicormic buds higher in the canopy, then lower branch epicormic buds, buds on the trunk, and finally lignotuberous buds, which are a last-resort survival mechanism. Understanding these shoots can be the difference between life and death for urban forest managers. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, M, T, Bs)

When trees are damaged during storms, they typically respond through the production of sprouting branches. Referred to as epicormic sprouts, these branches are a critical component in replacing the tree crown and photosynthetic capacity. Unfortunately, there is little empirical data to guide industry best management practices with respect to crown restoration pruning. In this presentation, Jake Miesbauer discusses results from a long-term study on the growth response of damaged trees to different pruning treatments and how these results can help guide practitioners to improve their methods for restoration of storm damaged trees. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, M, T, Bp)

In this presentation, Alessio Fini discusses an experiment that began in 2011 to evaluate the effects of different pavements on the growth and health of two urban tree species: Fraxinus ornus (Manna ash) and Celtis australis (European hackberry). Biometric and physiological measurements have been made since 2012. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, M, T, Bp)

In this presentation, James Downer examines the post-apocalyptic zone in Pripyat, Ukraine and the survival of an extant population of horsechestnut trees. Comparisons are made between similar age populations in Kiev, Ukraine. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, M, T, Bs)

Wire baskets helped to industrialize the transplanting process for field-grown nursery stock. However, their use is not without controversy, and while opinions abound, actual research on this topic is relatively scarce. Join Andrew Koeser as he discusses past and recent research findings in an effort to offer an impartial view on one of arboriculture’s more controversial issues regarding cultural practice. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, M, T, Bp)

Tree health and vitality influence a wide range of physiological processes including pest/disease susceptibility and water stress resilience. Dr. Banks will introduce the concept of tree vitality and how it can relate to pest and disease resilience, as well as tree establishment and survival within the landscape. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge (A, U, T, M, Bp)

This presentation by Dr. Ruark covers some of the current “state-of-the-art” tools and techniques used by urban foresters in determining nutrition sampling, risk assessment, and lab diagnostics for plant pathogens. Plus, a compiled list of mobile device apps currently used by diagnosticians. Listen to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then take the accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, T, M, Bp)

When planning new green spaces, it is necessary to remember that the urban environment is very different from the natural environment where the species evolved.

Which trees native or exotic should be planted in order to maximize carbon sequestration and pollutants removal? Which species can better face the temperature increase foreseen for the next decades? Discover theses answers and more with Dr. Francesco Ferrini by listening to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then taking this accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, M, T, Bp)

What conditions give trees the best chances of living a healthy long life? What systems do trees use to defend against insects? Go in depth with Chadwick Award Winner Dan Herms by listening to the Science of Arboriculture podcast and then taking this accompanying CEU quiz to check your knowledge. (A, U, T, M, Bp)