Tech Cert Question

[stevelucocq]

Hi,

 

I am ok with part A) but any pointers for B) would be good.

 

Thanks Steve

 

It is vital for a tree's continued well-being that it is able to defend itself against a variety of causes of dysfunction.

 

(a)Describe the physiological response of a tree to pruning or wounding (as determined

by Shigo). (8)

 

(b) Explain ways in which tree maintenance operations can be managed to favour the tree's defensive processes, giving examples of particular genera where appropriate. (8)

 

©State under what circumstances and in what ways it might be acceptable to use our knowledge of the defence process to initiate decay, rather than prevent it? (4)

[Yorkshireman]

location of finish cut bark ridge & collar

[Paul Barton]

Timing of pruning must be in there - eg prune cherries in summer as resins aid the 'sealing' of a fresh wound.

 

Not pruning in frost conditions...

 

Keeping tools clean and free from possible contaminants...

 

Prune trees as early in their life as possible (good formative pruning etc) so that larger wounds are not needed to be made later on in the tree's life.

[Will Hinchliffe]

Timing of operations

[Will Hinchliffe]

jinx mistertee

[Paul Barton]

Ha ha - make a wish.

[Giles Hill]

What would you say for part 'c'?

 

Veteranisation and habitat creation, or something else?

[Paul Barton]

What would you say for part 'c'?

 

Veteranisation and habitat creation, or something else?

 

Yeah I reckon that seems right. Can't think of much else on that one.

[gibbon]

C.

Destructive pruning/veterenisation. For insatance the decay pattern from deep flush cuts can lead to a cavity forming above as well as below the pruning wound which provides an ideal niche for bats.

[Giles Hill]

That's reassuring, thanks.

 

As for b) I think it'd be worth mentioning the use of different pruning techniques for different species - target prune species that compartmentalise well and leave stubs on species that don't.

 

Also reduction work on overmature trees to encourage retrenchment and reduce risk of failure