treevet
Addicted to ArboristSite
Anybody read the book.....been to the seminar.....going to the seminar and have something to say about them?
Up By Roots
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I have read the book and been to a lecture by Mr. Urban. I have not attended the hands-on workshop that is currently being offered. (If I have understood the description correctly.)
I found the book very readable. Subject matter is explained concisely and well. In some of the topics, a bit brief. However, he does not claim to be an authority on all aspects of trees and soil and so for further in-depth discussion and explanations on certain aspects, he defers to an authority in that field. (For example, Philip Craul) His book comes across (to me) as a concise reference for the foundation knowledge necessary for planting and caring for trees and then the actual application of incorporating trees into the urban landscape, where he is indisputably an authority.
He offers several references at the end of each chapter, either books or websites which is very helpful.
This is a man who is passionate about trees and their survivability in the urban setting. Expressing the opinion that a landscape design has failed if the plants themselves do not survive due to a lack within the design.
He tries to offer realistic solutions to difficult problems and his experience in this field cannot be disputed. He was not shy about discussing the pros and cons of various methods, realizing that there is never one answer to the multitude of questions.
I found him very easy to listen to, as he presents his topic with a personal note of commitment.
"The Functional Tree...they must be large enough to shade houses, pavement, cars and people. Each tree should expect to live long enough with minimum maintenance so that its benefits are not outweighed by the cost of maintenance and replacement. There are many situations in which a small tree is appropriate, but small trees do not offer the environmental benefits large trees provide. This book is about increasing the quantity and quality of large trees in our communities." Up By Roots, pg ix
To me, this summed up his message during his lecture.
Sylvia
I found the book very readable. Subject matter is explained concisely and well. In some of the topics, a bit brief. However, he does not claim to be an authority on all aspects of trees and soil and so for further in-depth discussion and explanations on certain aspects, he defers to an authority in that field. (For example, Philip Craul) His book comes across (to me) as a concise reference for the foundation knowledge necessary for planting and caring for trees and then the actual application of incorporating trees into the urban landscape, where he is indisputably an authority.
He offers several references at the end of each chapter, either books or websites which is very helpful.
This is a man who is passionate about trees and their survivability in the urban setting. Expressing the opinion that a landscape design has failed if the plants themselves do not survive due to a lack within the design.
He tries to offer realistic solutions to difficult problems and his experience in this field cannot be disputed. He was not shy about discussing the pros and cons of various methods, realizing that there is never one answer to the multitude of questions.
I found him very easy to listen to, as he presents his topic with a personal note of commitment.
"The Functional Tree...they must be large enough to shade houses, pavement, cars and people. Each tree should expect to live long enough with minimum maintenance so that its benefits are not outweighed by the cost of maintenance and replacement. There are many situations in which a small tree is appropriate, but small trees do not offer the environmental benefits large trees provide. This book is about increasing the quantity and quality of large trees in our communities." Up By Roots, pg ix
To me, this summed up his message during his lecture.
Sylvia
:agree2:
I did the workshop in 2005 and again in 2009. Big changes in the 4 years; well-designed now. Jim brings in local experts to help with the outdoor field lab, which worked well. Go if you get the chance.
If not, the book is good on its own. It's not all it could be; review process cost a few good points but most got into print.
I did the workshop in 2005 and again in 2009. Big changes in the 4 years; well-designed now. Jim brings in local experts to help with the outdoor field lab, which worked well. Go if you get the chance.
If not, the book is good on its own. It's not all it could be; review process cost a few good points but most got into print.
treevet
Addicted to ArboristSite
thanks to both of you for your help. I will have the book by mid next week and going to the seminar in 2 weeks.
thanks to both of you for your help. I will have the book by mid next week and going to the seminar in 2 weeks.
Good on you for getting the book in advance, so you can ask informed questions!
treevet
Addicted to ArboristSite
I agree Guy. Paid a little more but worth it IMO. Taking my foreman (CA) too.
I'll be at Columbus workshop - looking forward to it.
treevet
Addicted to ArboristSite
Great seminar, very informative and comprehensive look at the subterranean tree and associates.
New invention by Jim Urban involving a platform that creates a void underneath sidewalks that can be filled with soil to increase soil volume and thus more potential for the city (or Urban if you will) tree.
New invention by Jim Urban involving a platform that creates a void underneath sidewalks that can be filled with soil to increase soil volume and thus more potential for the city (or Urban if you will) tree.
He did a very good job presenting. The only thing I wish is that he would have spent more time talking about practical applications and less time on soil 101. I realize that was not a review for everybody, so many folks need that background before moving forward. I always get something out of a soil review because I am not a soil scientist...but that was a long morning for review and a hurried final session. I wouldn't say this was a "fault" in the program design...just that I personally would have benefitted hearing more about ideas for addressing the problems we see...but I certainly brought back a lot to work with and it was well worth going. I already have a commercial site in mind for the silvacells if I can ever convince them to replace of the overly mature honey locust.
treevet
Addicted to ArboristSite
Can't disagree with that but difficult to pre judge your audience if you have not spent much time with them as in a classroom situation. You have to pitch to the least experienced batters as well. My employee and I were both satisfied we took time out of our busy schedules to attend.
