Paul Barton

I put a photo on my CV in the past and got the job I applied for. I am extremely handsome though.

I don't claim to know alot about it since I last read about it in-depth over 10 years ago. My impression then was that GM has the capability to be a force for good, particularly in the developing world. Genetically modifying crop plants to be more drought resistant and to travel better where refrigeration is lacking seem like laudible ideas. I also remember reading about new rice varieties that contain more vitamins that can stop infant blindness.... However, I am sceptical about the motivations of large corporations that invest in GM - particularly where there are blatant conflicts of interest. Some people are against stem cell research as it begins to question ethical boundaries - but stem cell research saved my mothers life so it can be used for good. Some people don't like the internet because it gives immediate access to all sorts of information, good and bad. I view GM in the same kind of way; something with the potential for good things but at risk of being used in the 'wrong' way.

List all your relevant experience and hobbies. Say why you want to study arb and what you want to be doing in 5-10 years time. Don't overdo it - keep it short and to the point would be my advice. Just demonstrate some passion for the subject.

How about using a bespoke Excel spreadsheet with drop down lists in the columns, coupled with a free AutoCAD viewer/editor such as AutoCAD WS? You could load both on to a tablet (ipad/android) and then label the trees on the topo as you go along on the survey and complete the spreadsheet schedule. Simple and cheap! It won't draw a fancy tree survey plan for you though - you'd still need some drawing software for that, but I don't think any of the 'tree software' available draws good plans, with the exception of PT Mapper Pro.

Ah, sorry about that. On the same basis the pit would have a volume of 416 cubic feet. On the basis of 2 cubic meter to 1 square meter of canopy that would give you a tree with a canopy of 208 square metres.....that's still only 20ft by 10ft plus the height of the clear stem.

Interesting thread - I feel your predicament T'man. Sounds like an all too familiar situation where the person that really knows and cares about the trees long term, hasn't been given the political and financial clout to make the important decisions! Still, you can still lay the facts (?) out straight to your council officers. A tree with a restricted rooting volume cannot reach its full potential, either in terms of life span or ultimate height. I think the starting point is to ask your colleagues what kind of tree-scape they are aiming for. If they want large canopy trees (which generally provide the greatest benefits) they have to accept that large soil volumes are needed. James Urban's book 'Up By Roots' suggests that a rough guideline is 1-3 cubic feet of soil per square foot of tree canopy - the lower figure being for a well-irrigated soil and the higher for a drier soil. He doesn't quote a source for the soil volume calculations so I can't say whether it's made up or well researched but using his calculations: If your barriers are 2.5x2.5x0.6 (metres) that's a s volume of 3.75 cubic metres or 132 cubic feet. So, in an average soil you could assume that for every 2 cubic foot of soil you'll get 1 square foot of canopy....132 cubic foot might therefore support a tree 11 foot tall by 6 foot wide (based on a simple rectangle area). That's a small tree! It may well grow larger than this but I think the suggestion is that it will be running out of steam from that point. Of course this is only considering the volume of soil....it is advisable to also assess the soil for its structure, nutrient content, water availability and so on. If the main concern is future damage to pavements, how about using a structural cell system to provide a greater soil volume and support the hard surface? It has to be said that the author of the above book has a vested interest in recommending this system as he designed them but they may work for you as you could install the root barriers much further away around the edge of the cells. Silva Cell Tree And Stormwater Management System From Deeproot Of course any technical solutions come with a price tag - so it's back to the question of what the end-game is. If smaller trees that will need to be replaced every 10 years are acceptable then you could stick with the tiny pits but if bigger trees are required some innovation and $$$ is needed:biggrin:

You seem to have forgotten a kitchen sink!

Creative types often feel they have to write that kind of stuff about their work Rupe. It is tosh though, you are right. It's a bit like arborists who like to say 'bifurcate' instead of 'twin-stemmed'!

Hi Rob, Not too bad thanks mate. I delivered my presentation to the panel on Tuesday which went ok. Lots of work to do in the next 8 weeks though! When do you finish your course? Hope you enjoy the video. Paul

Nice little video. Limbwalkers - Trailer on Vimeo

A little more interesting. Just.

Thanks for sharing!

What are the most important factors that are driving the purse holders to make certain decisions? Perhaps if you could somehow (you may well have already done this so apologies if so) put the case across in their language they might sit up and listen. Could you present some cost-benefit analysis that may show your point? For example, how much would an engineered solution to the path cost, vs the cost of root pruning? (which would likely need to be repeated before long as the mass of fibrous roots that will extend from the severed root will start disrupting the path again before long). Add in to that the $ value of the tree (CAVAT/iTree etc) and the potential cost of losing it due to instability or decline due to severe root pruning....

Hi all, One of our tree gangs has just (this morning) had an MS660 stolen from site in Sheffield. A chap jumped off a motorike, grabbed the saw and sped off. It could be a coincidence or it could be an individual/gang specifically targetting tree surgeons. Keep your saws close by or locked away!

Both.

http://www.horticulturejobs.co.uk/job/309296/gardener-arboriculturalist/ Ok, not my old school. I don't reckon Eton has ever produced an arborist!

I have never seen anyone climb with 2? Do you mean that he doesn't use any kind of strop or lanyard as well as the rope? Does he use both ends of the same rope?

To my surprise my insurer had 'arboriculturist' listed in the occupations last time I renewed. I normally end up picking Forestry or Environmental Services as the corresponding profession.

I love that Pooh attachment, brilliant! (sorry, that's my only comment so far but am reading this thread with interest!).

Thanks for the info all. I'll have a read of that journal soon HCR. It's not clear from the photos that both stems emanate from the same tree at the base. It was the difference between two stems of the same tree that intrigued me!

I can't believe you're wearing those boots in a woodland like that. Surely felt slippers would be better?

I guess not then!

Saw a good example of these corky ribs on a young field maple today - not seen it so pronounced before, particularly next to stems of the same age that are smooth. I must confess I don't know what causes it. Anyone else?

It looks like that large limb overhanging the road is going to be awkward to get down now!

Funny how people feel the need to comment on other people's price too. If you think PHAS is cheap, why not use him and let him make you some money?!