Do you have some trees on your property? Whether you planted them or not, it’s your responsibility as the property owner to take care of them. Besides, it’s not just about the health of the trees but also your safety.
If a tree hasn’t been taken care of, it can acquire pests and diseases resulting to having weak branches. When that happens, the branches may break anything causing damage to your property or health risks.
If you don’t have any background in arboriculture or taking care of trees, you can always hire an arborist to examine and take care of the trees instead. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of arboriculture and its key principles.
What is Arboriculture?
Arboriculture is the specialisation under horticulture that centres on cultivating, managing, and caring for trees. In addition, it’s a study of extensive knowledge, such as biology, the protection of trees, and other factors that surround them to understand them more and increase their life expectancy.
Importance of Trees in Our Ecosystem
You may already know the overall importance of trees in our ecosystem, but let this serve as a refresher.
Trees are considered as the filter of Earth. Since they need carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis, they grasp into the air and release oxygen that humans need. Today, as the air becomes more polluted, the more trees we need to filter the air for us.
Unfortunately, various projects require the use of trees, so people also cut them down. And since trees grow slowly, the number of trees planted in a year doesn’t make up for the trees people cut. This results in many problems, such as air pollution, flood, and landslide.
So before you decide to take your trees for granted, think of the effects they might cause when they die.
Key Principles of Arboriculture
1. Tree Identification
One of the most important elements of arboriculture is the identification of trees. As you know, there are various tree species, and they require different ways to manage. For instance, some trees require more water than others.
In arboriculture, once the species of a tree has been identified, the next step is to make the necessary measures.
2. Tree Planting
The journey of the trees starts with tree planting. Arboriculture ensures that trees are planted in their ideal environment. Since they have different requirements about the weather, soil type, and water supply, the arborist should be able to provide their needs.
In addition, the proper way of planting is also studied in arboriculture. For instance, if a certain species of tree is sensitive, the arborist knows how to handle them properly. Without this knowledge, it can be hard to successfully plant different trees.
3. Pruning
Pruning is another essential practise to maintain the health of the trees. It helps remove dead and weak branches to avoid risks and accidents, improves air circulation, and encourages better growth patterns.
It’s suggested to prune regularly depending on the age of the trees. However, when you notice that your tree has a few overgrown branches, maybe it’s time to prune. You can ask your local arborist before pruning.
4. Tree Health Care
Since arboriculture is a study that focuses on trees, it also includes health care. As they discover more pests and diseases tied up on trees, they also create treatments and ways to diagnose them.
Tree removal, pruning, and diagnosis are tasks specifically for arborists, so if you’re dealing with tree problems, it’s best to consult them. Aside from the knowledge, they also have the right tools and equipment to perform the right measures.
5. Tree Preservation
As urbanisation expands, many trees are also affected by these expansions. Fortunately, arboriculture also aims to protect the existing trees during construction in urban areas to maintain the shade it provides.
Some trees in developing areas may also be removed, but they are transferred to a safer place where they can continue to grow and provide for people.
6. Tree Risk Assessment
During severe weather conditions, trees can pose risks that may leave to injuries and property damage. To avoid this, arborists conduct tree risk assessments to make sure that everything’s safe.
However, there are times when trees aren’t diagnosed before the storm comes, so it’s best to prepare to contact your arborist in case there becomes a problem with the tree in your area.
7. Sustainable Practises
Since the main goal of arboriculture is to protect trees and the environment, it’s also a common practise to apply sustainable measures to prevent environmental problems.
Role of Certified Arborists
A certified arborist uses the practises implemented in arboriculture. They undergo training and obtain the essential knowledge to provide the services the trees need. So if you don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to taking care of trees, it’s best to contact a certified arborist to check them for you.
We hope this article helps you understand the importance of arboriculture and arborists. If you want to share any tree-related stories, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
