Experience not needed ?
The practice of planting a semi-mature tree is not a skill you can learn from a book or social media it is a skill that needs to be learnt from experience and working alongside a skilled workforce over a prolonged period of time.
Having worked in the Landscape industry for over 20 yrs I am still amazed that some clients will employ tree planters without experience, trusting them with a valuable asset not only to their current project but for future generations to enjoy. Unfortunately there are an increasingly number of inexperienced landscape contractors working in the UK that are planting semi-mature trees without the knowledge, skill and passion to complete the process to an acceptable level. The tree should be planted not only for an aesthetically pleasing view but most importantly to aid the tree in longevity leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Having viewed many projects throughout the UK and on social media I am amazed at some of the things I have seen that has been judged by some as acceptable.
I have seen :-
-Trees rigged up for lifting incorrectly causing stress to the rootball and bark.
-Trees lifted in full flush with no protection to the tree stem, which is damaging to the soft bark.
-Trees carried using unsuitable techniques and equipment resulting in the tree swinging uncontrollably.
-Trees being planted at the wrong depth too high or too low
-Trees being planted at every angle except 90 degrees
-Trees being guyed using inappropriate methods i.e single stake or double stake crossbar on very large specimens.
And one of the worst practices I have seen is guy wire being left on the tree for longer than it needs to be resulting in the tree being strangled.
The correct method an experienced tree planting team will follow is :-
On arrival a site specific risk assessment will be carried out by the person in charge to make sure the whole operation is carried out with safety in mind.
An experienced tree planter will know and understand the benefits and methods of loading and unloading a tree using the correct lifting methods in order not to stress the tree or rootball.
Once unloaded and placed on the ground the route will be assessed for obstructions that may impede the transporting of the tree. Once the route has been planned the tree will be moved using the correct machinery paying attention to the tree whilst moving using a tag line secured to the tree to aid in steering the head of the tree and stop unnecessary swing.
When reaching the planting site the tree will again be assessed to get the best planting position for the tree to mature without impacting on its surroundings.
The tree will then be lowered into the planting hole which has been pre dug to the correct depth ensuring the rootball is not too low or too high using the nursery line as a good guide.
Backfilling of the planting pit will then begin, paying close attention to the firming up of the soil around the rootball by filling up in layers and treading in carefully.
After backfilling the tree, the most suitable guying method is chosen for the tree based on location. Paying close attention to where the wires (if using overhead guying) exit the canopy so it doesn't rub or cross over branches is crucial.
If the tree has a good, solid, rootball you may choose to use an underground guying method, but one must be cautious of underground services.
All the time during this process an experienced planting team will be focused on the well being of the tree and making sure it is not put under any unnecessary stress.
The bottom line in the whole process of planting a semi-mature tree is ‘An experienced tree planting team will be paying great attention to the health and well being of the clients most prized asset THE TREE.’
Owner @ Edinburgh Tree Surgeons
1 年Great post. I'm amazed when I see footage of large trees being installed or moved by cranes that the bark doesn't just strip off. Is the an official method for preparing the bindings? Spreading the load is obviously critical, avoiding torsional shear stress. What is the prescribed method?
Sugden Landscapes
3 年Sadly still the case. I often see trees planted/anchored so badly I wonder how they’ve been signed off on a project. Perhaps a lack of knowledge on the part of main contractors/architects as well as a lack of experience/knowledge/care/pride on the part of the installer.
Arboriculturist, Lecturer, Researcher, Snagologist, Arbor Day UK Co-ordinator & Discoverer of Natural Bracing in Trees
6 年That's great to share, Marc: you've seen a lot of poor practice - from which others can learn. Thanks for sharing... Duncan.
Tree Surgeon,Facility Grounds,Maintaining the planets ecology, Whilst ending rogue traders with a name people can trust!
6 年Great article. What's you opinion on root Anchor systems? I've never had movement in a planted tree that we needed to set up guying wires.
Retired.
8 年Marc, I wholeheartedly agree with your comments about unskilled landscapers(aka ground workers) planting large semi mature trees, having worked for one of your competitors for nearly 11 years I have seen trees stuffed into the ground and the client wondering why they are failing! Worst failing no irrigation or aftercare watering included or planned by ground workers!