RFS Cert revision material?

[alex_m]

I want to further my knowledge and eventually (i'm talking 3 or 4 years away) complete the rfs cert arb.

Is there any specific reading material available? If not, what books should i buy to delve into similar subjects?

thanks

[alex_m]

I know of treesource, but i would like to know which books to buy, not where to get the from

thanks

[tractorboy1]

Shigo is a good one to start with.

[alex_m]

Yes, Shigo has to be the 'go to' man for tree education!

 

After looking up the various modules of the rfs cert, i have come up with this list of books that seem very useful - what does everyone think to these?

 

For the soil part...

Essential Soil Science - M R Ashman & G Puri

 

Woodland history/management/ecology....

Ecology of Woodlands and Forests - P Thomas & J Packham

Woodland Management A Practical Guide - C Starr

Trees and Woodland in the British Landscape, The Complete History of Trees, Woods and Hedgerows - O Rackham

 

Tree Biology/physiology/ill health & treatments...

Shigo - a new tree biology, modern arb

Diagnosis of Ill Health in Trees - R G Strouts & T G Winter

 

Planting and aftercare....

Tree Planting and Aftercare. A Practical Handbook - E Agate (Ed.)

 

Could someone recommend books to do with health and safety, tree surveys, law etc?

 

thanks

[tractorboy1]

TBH depending where you are doing it, all you should need should be in the notes given to you. Another good book is Manual of wood decays in trees by K Weber and C Mattheck wich would be a good book for future referance. Withe the soil planting and woodland paper you may get too bogged down if you start reading too much.

[carlos]

hi alex.

just done the rfs course failed one bit but we wont talk about that!!

your book list looks good to me i bought and borrowed quiet a few of those books and found them helpfull, as to the health and safety the internet is probably best for all the up to date regs and acts etc.

good luck carl.

[alex_m]

Cheers Carl, hope you pass the re-take.

I think i'll buy one of the above books every 2-3 months, otherwise i'll get distracted and have information overload!