arguement with an Arborist

[treeseer]

Thanks guys!! will provide info after we all meet!!

OTG, hey I got a hold of the warden & forester association became a member & even got their handbook which is for MA only however I feel the same practices could be applied here as well & some of the municipalities I`ll be consulting with Im suggesting to them to contact the Assoc. for possible guidance!! thanks!

Way to jump right in there!

I've met most of the utility arbo's in the world and they are very energetic.

opcorn:

 

[OTG BOSTON]

Thanks guys!! will provide info after we all meet!!

OTG, hey I got a hold of the warden & forester association became a member & even got their handbook which is for MA only however I feel the same practices could be applied here as well & some of the municipalities I`ll be consulting with Im suggesting to them to contact the Assoc. for possible guidance!! thanks!


LXT..............

Cool, ask for OTG when you call .

 

[yibida]

An alternative

An occuring problem with arborists representing most local councils/ municipalities or clients is that it may be a tad one sided if we (as Arborists)bow to any political or personal pressure at the time of inspection, (Yes as unethical as this may sound).

As a Senior Arborist for a local council ( and i have always kept to my ethics with regards to trees),there have been many occasions when i have been pressured to conform to a specific mind set or attitude with many heated issues surrounding a tree/s, needless to say i can still sleep at night.

Apart from needing to see the tree in question or at least a few pictures i wouldnt recommend any cable / bracing system, this could present itself as a future liability by the person/s installing said structure.

Crown thinning & reduction as per an adopted roots versus shoots ratio over time with an annual inspection would be an advisable coarse of action. A series of bi-annual structual assesments that would ensure against any noticable potential hazards forming within the canopy structure would also keep any future attempt at litigation at bay in the majority of cases.

The retention of any tree in this situation is a dynamic one that can change in future assessments and has never been resolved through any quick fix solutions.

Hope this helps.

 

[lxt]

Yibida, I understand your point & without pic`s it is hard, however the specie of tree in question being an Ash presents a different solution as to what you suggest.

Theres not much in the crown to clean in the first place, the liability is that without some form of cable/brace system splitting may occur & has on other trees (same specimen,same home owner). to follow your suggestion would still leave the leader at the mercy of nature & the follow up inspection you suggest bi-annually might end up being for her house instead of the tree.

crown reduction on an ash, especially this one would be border line topping if not considered topping, which is not allowed in this Twp. I dont know how familiar you are with ash trees but most on here who have dealt with them would probably understand(not trying to insult) The Arborist was adamate about removing the whole leader which equals 1/2 or more of the tree, the over all intent for me here is to please the Home Owner but also follow the rules, my job is the hard one........pleasing both sides!


LXT.....................

 

[lxt]

Well I met with everyone today!! what a meeting, I didnt say much as the thought was we should all go to look at the tree in question!

Now my written bid & assesment were presented along with the Arborists work mandate, so here is the bottom line:

Tree will have select limbs removed as to equal out both sides and reduce weight, of course all cuts must/will be proper. A brace & non-invasive cabling system shall be installed, I suggested to council that a yearly inspection would be a good Idea & they agreed!! the home owner was pleased with the out come. I made it clear that I would inspect the tree prior to any work & if things were worse we would have to come up with another plan, I will check any cavities found & provide remedy if need be.

I was a little baffled by the Arborist as he didnt say much, but seemed to question the trees longevity & health aspects of the work we spoke of, when I asked about the longevity & health aspects of his plan, he gave no reply!

I tried to talk to him at length & pick his brain so to speak but he seemed very formal & blunt with conversation, I assured him that I didnt want to step on anyones toes & just wanted good relations all around!!

all in all everyone is happy(I think) the chair of council told me after the meeting that the Arborist was going through a difficult period family wise & such, & that in the future unless my work plan seems way out of line that I should just submit it to the council, in other words if I recommend it there will be no problems "unless Im gonna remove healthy trees by the dozen & trim em with a weed eater" his words!!!!LOL

LXT..............

 

[Sprig]

I think that outcome is excellent must be riding a high cloud 'bout now! You got respect and it sounds like ya earned it too mate, kudos and let us curious ones know how the final job goes (and pics! we wants pics! )



Serge

 

[Dadatwins]

Well done, good for you.

 

[treeseer]

Tree will have select limbs removed as to equal out both sides and reduce weight, of course all cuts must/will be proper. A brace & non-invasive cabling system shall be installed,
I tried to talk to him at length & pick his brain so to speak but he seemed very formal & blunt with conversation, I assured him that I didnt want to step on anyones toes & just wanted good relations all around!!..

Sounds super good. A great example of a positive outcome resulting from a positive attitude.

By "brace" do you mean a rod going through the stem(s)?

Does the work order spec what a "proper cut" is? I'm not always sure just what a proper cut is.

What brand of cabling, and how high above the fork?

When ya gonna do it?

 

[OTG BOSTON]

good stuff

Glad to hear it was a win-win for all, lxt. Sounds like you are well on your way to being a public relations expert!

 

[lxt]

Thanks guys!!, I just wanted a civil resolution to the situation, as far as the question on proper cuts its pretty much defined as no flush cuts,stubs,etc.. everything will be done as proper as possible, collar cuts, laterals to 1/3rd, etc..

As far as the cabling & brace system go, I am discussing those options with the home owner, We are trying to be as inavasive as possible all the while trying to maintain a cosmetic appealing solution.

Any Ideas on what systems would fit this?, of course I want to check the incuded bark section thoroughly to determine what system will best work.
The Cobra system`s I have used are nice but it is suggested as a supplement for codominant sections with fairly good crotches. Im kinda a traditional guy in this realm & am not really aware of any bracing systems that are inavasive!

Then there is the possible included bark cavity, I usually apply expanding foam to cavities, however in a crotch where snow,ice & rain can sit I am at a lil disadvantage, first I dont want any thing expanding within a possibly weak crotch & second I am wondering if the foam will act as a wick thus making the situation worse? any suggestions on filling an included bark cavity? ya know the ones that resemble a female body part!!!

BTW, I will be following A300 standards for supplemental support systems, Im just reaching out here to confirm my thoughts & get some advice.

Thanks guys, someone will have to tell/explain to me how to post pic`s, hell I can barely type....LOL

LXT............

 

[treeseer]

Pictures are easy to attach via "Manage Attachments". If you freak out, then send them to TreeCo, a moderator here.

Ash with included bark would get steel; try 3/8" EHS, fastened with wirestops--www.rigguy.com Only requires a 7/16" hole; not noninvasive, but the least invasive way to fasten steel I have seen.

I don't see filling helping much; focus on pruning and cabling.