| HOME | ABOUT US | NEWS | VACANCIES | ITCC / NTCC | MEMBERS | PUBLIC INFO |
|
Arboricultural Consumer InformationTopless Trees Are Indecent Trees must be pruned sometimes to avoid interference with utility (power and phone) lines, buildings, or parts of the surrounding environment. Whenever pruning to reduce a tree's size is required, avoid the harmful practice of topping. Topping involves removing all parts of a tree above a certain height with no consideration for its structure or health. This method is not a viable method of height reduction but only a temporary and ineffective solution that actually makes a tree more hazardous in the long run. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) explains why topping is not an acceptable pruning technique. “Topping is probably the most damaging and detrimental thing a person can do to a tree,” says Sharon Lilly, Director of Education for ISA. “Topped trees are ugly, and the harmful effects usually endure for the life of the tree.” The destructive effects of topping include: Higher maintenance costs- Trees that have been topped will need pruning more often, or may die and need to be removed. Topped trees are potential liabilities and can reduce property value. Added stress for the tree- If a tree does not have enough stored energy it will not be able to produce the chemicals required to defend the multiple wounds from a disease or insect attack. “Sunburned” trees- The leaves within
a tree's crown absorb sunlight. Without Poor aesthetics- Topping removes the ends of
branches often leaving unsightly stubs, and destroying the natural
form of the tree. A tree that has been topped can never fully regain
its natural form. To help avoid these harmful side effects ISA advises that trees should be pruned according to the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) pruning standards. An ISA Certified Arborist should quote approved ANSI pruning methods to their customers. Beware of a tree service that offers to top your tree; they may not be up to date on the latest pruning methods. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. Sonia Abney Garth Here are some useful web sites about trees -pruning and removing: http://www.consumer.org.nz/topic/treesandneighbours - for information about trees and neighbors form the New Zealand Consumers Institute http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/planning/trees.htm - for information about trees and fences form the Hastings District Council http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/cnlser/tb/removcnsnt.asp - information on where and what type of consent is required to prune or remove trees in Waitakere www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/services/trees/ -- information on where and what type of consent is required and the type of tree services are being used in Auckland city. Project CrimsonGrowing pohutukawa and rata is a rewarding activity that Click here to download an informative PDF from Project Crimson Here are some explanations of Arboricultural qualifications and/or advertising statements:Member of the NZAA - Membership of the New Zealand Arboricultural Association. Someone who has paid to become a member of the National industry association Approved Contractor (NZAA Approved Contractor). A company that has met the criteria and standard of work set by the NZAA. Member of the ISA - Member of the International Society of Arboriculture. Someone who has paid to become a member of the International industry association. ISA Certified - Someone who holds the relevant experience and who has sat and passed an exam set by the International Society of Arboriculture. ISA Certified arborists will also have a certification number. Nat Cert - The National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture). This is a qualification that is mainly taught on-job by way of an apprenticeship or similar training. Cert Arb - Certificate in Arboriculture. This is a qualification that is mainly taught through polytechnics or similar training institutes. Cert Hort - Certificate in Horticulture. This is a qualification that is mainly taught through polytechnics or similar training institutes. Dip Hort - Diploma in Horticulture. This is a qualification that is mainly taught through polytechnics or similar training institutes, it may have been done via correspondence or as a course of undergraduate study at a university. Dip Arb - Diploma in Arboriculture. This is a qualification that is mainly taught through polytechnics or similar training institutes. NZQA Qualified - Someone who holds a qualification from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (it could be anything and it could be a any level) HITO Qualified - Someone who has the permission to train and assess their own staff in accordance with the (NZ) Horticulture Industry Training Organisation Tree Care / Conference Abstracts / Consumer InformationAdvisory leaflets, consumer information on tree care. This section is especially for NZAA clients / customers. Tree ImagesThese images were scanned from photographs taken by Lance Goffart-Hall, Links to Other Arboricultural SitesInternational organisations and resources to be found on the web.
|
