Plant Health Care and Diagnostics

One biotic problem for trees is wood decay fungi. This article by Christine Balk, Chelsi Abbott, and A.D. Ali, the first of a two-part series, provides an overview of the complexities of fungi, explains the general life cycle of a fungus, and describes what to look for when identifying fungal fruiting bodies. (A,T,L,Bs)

The survival of tree-dependent wildlife species is influenced by how arborists manage trees, even in urban areas. In this article, Brian French explores wildlife considerations when making care decisions about trees. (A,M,Bp)

Learn about conducting tree inventories in this issue’s CEU article by Jerry Bond. This article explores setting tree inventory objectives, the benefits and costs of tree inventories, and the resources needed to be successful. (A,M, Bm)

Are palms considered trees? That depends on whether you’re asking a botanist, ecologist, or forester. But no matter the specific definition used; as an arborist you may have to deal with palms. In part one A.D. Ali and Leonard Burkhart Jr. examine palm identification and pruning.(A,T,M,L,Bs)

In this second podcast on Root Pruning, the authors look into selective versus non-selective pruning, dealing with stem-girdling roots, and how pruning can effect a tree’s long term health and stability.(A, Bs)

Roots are a vital component to any tree’s health. Recognizing and understanding the types of roots, and how they function is the first step in good root management. Original story by Larry Costello, Gary Watson, and E. Thomas Smiley (A, Bs)

PHC-Plant Health Care, is a holistic approach to evaluating a tree’s condition, taking into consideration both the plant, and its environment instead of focusing on any single component such as insect pests or disease causing organisms. (Original story by Chelsi Abbot and A.D. Ali) (A, Bs)

Injection is an extreme, but sometimes necessary step in addressing proper tree care. In this second of two part article Shawn Bernick and E. Thomas Smiley examine the pros and cons to be taken in consideration when contemplating injection sites on a tree. (A, M, Bp)