Paul Barton

In what way? In one way I'd say that's a good thing - Duncan approaches things with scientific rigour so he asks questions then researches in order to find answers. If he knew it all now his research would be flawed. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

We had a six year old rescue collie that was similar - bit me, my boss, my in-laws and eventually my wife. When we found out we had a baby on the way we decided to take him back to the rescue centre. Sorry to hear your news Eggs - horrible situation. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Possibly a Zelkova - Zelkova carpinifolia?

To be clear, that wasn't my comment I was citing the definition of the RPA from the BS. I agree with you Oslac - trees regularly defy the arbitrary rules that we try and place on them. I guess no one has come up with a better idea yet though! Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

First off, the RPA is not necessarily meant to indicate the exact location of roots - it is termed in the BS as a "layout design tool indicating the minimum area around a tree deemed to contain sufficient roots and rooting volume to maintain the tree’s viability" So, as Chris points out above, this area within the tree's potential root system is treated as a priority to protect as this is where there will be the largest roots but probably also a great number of fine roots. Having done a bit of air-spade work now and again, I was always interested to see the vast difference in the amount of fine roots close to the stem between species. Oak had hardly any fibrous roots close to the root collar, but Beech had lots. Perhaps this should indicate that the outer edges of the notional RPA are more important for Oak than for Beech?! It is shocking that there is no evidence based reason that we use a formula of 12 x the stem diameter - this really needs addressing. However, as a design tool it does its job relatively well by at least offering a starting point to retain roots and protect soil around a decent proportion of the tree.

I wear boots. [emoji6] Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

I don't quite understand the question, sorry! Duncan has studied the strength of wood across normal junctions and then in junctions that have bark inclusions. He is putting some scientific evidence behind what we already know - that junctions with included bark are more prone to failure, and then adding to it by investigating the cause and effect of bark inclusions. Today was interesting - I would highly recommend anyone to attend one of his workshops on this topic.

I worked with a woman groundy a few years back and she was great. She did always point out that she couldn't get any chainsaw trousers that fitted properly though. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Oh go on then!

I think there were no meaningful replies because you didn't actually start any kind of discussion.

I will be there!

Care to expand?

I've managed to book for all the days this year. Looking forward to it. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Try a library...cheaper and above board! Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Apparently not as it's taken me 5 days to notice your insolence! Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Cool - just got the new iPhone app. Much better! Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Why thank you - I've been working out.

Give me a break! Just use your common sense and avoid using foul language

Er, nobody has said that you can't offend each other. Sorry if a few of you think the mods (me in particular this time) are over-stepping the mark. Let me explain: a vast majority of threads and discussions are not moderated in any way, and the mods on AT rarely ban anyone. However, some threads (which tend to be those about politics and/or religion) do lead to a bit of conflict - which is fine until people just resort to insulting each other instead of having a discussion. When that happens, we moderators have a few options: Let it run and see what happens Send a PM to the individual posters to ask that they cool down Issue an infraction/warning Close the thread Ban someone ....or just post a reminder that we should be civil to each other On this occasion as the thread is only on page 2 but people are already insulting each other, I thought that a reminder that insults are not acceptable was the way to go. If anyone is not sure of the forum guidelines, check them out here: Arbtalk.co.uk - Forum Rules So, contrary to what a few of you think - it's not bollocks that mods try and keep some peace on here. If you're looking for somewhere on the internet to wave your handbags around, go somewhere else

Thanks Joe.

Blimey, who rattled your cage?! I'm a moderator trying to keep AT a good forum. If you don't like it you can sling yours thanks very much!

Why's that? Are the insults tongue in cheek or did I miss something?

Less of the insults please or the thread dies.

I've got an inclination app on my phone which is handy.

I'd say so. I can count about 10 Ganoderma sp. brackets on the butt and lower stem poking through the ivy.