James

I've got very fond memories of Houghall. And I also remember having very similar doubts about going to Uni... I'm bloomin glad I did it though - it was definitely the right thing for me to do. Good luck with it

Sorry to go off topic, but this sounds interesting - what is wavelength blocking, and how does that prevent insect pests?

After the good reviews - it's now on my 'to visit' list.

Ha ha - I'll look out for those wumps next time I see a hag ;-) I understand the frustration at psuedoscience and 'guesswork posed as evidence' based decision making (both pet peeves of mine). I also understand the frustration at misguided fear of legislation (but I don't know the subtleties of US or Australian legislation). I just don't want to be all about the negative, there's a lot of good people doing good stuff out there (and having read your articles - you are one of them tree seer) :-)

Thanks Sean, I thought 'hagwumps' might be some text-talk that I'd not come across before. I don't share your opinion that arboriculture hasn't moved on much in the last seven years though - there's been a massive shift in tree related risk perception and management. A lot of very sincere and intelligent people have invested an awful lot of time and effort into this issue. We have seen paper after paper, research on risk and the perception of risk, analysis on the legal implications of tree risk assessment, seminars, workshops, and even a couple of new nationally recognized qualifications on tree risk and hazard assessment... Actually, the last seven years have been an exciting and interesting time to be curious about the issues surrounding the risk of harm from trees. :-) I'm just editing quickly because I've just realised how international this forum is. I'm talking about the UK in my post, is it very different in your part of the world?

I like the article, it is clear, concise and contains good advice for the target audience, but what does 'hagwumps' mean?

A very interesting thread indeed, thanks David.

That's interesting David. What happened next? Did you prune any roots?

Thanks guys

Sorry, I should have said. They are growing in a radiating pattern in an area where there used to be an ash tree. The tree was felled and the stump ground out two or three years ago.

I hope the pictures are attached... The slightly more mature one at the bottom is about 6cm tall. Many thanks

I don't partake of any illegal substances whatsoever, and apart from a few teenage experiments I never have (this is a personal choice - I'm not being moralistic in any way). I was once offered a job where compulsory drug testing was in place. When I questioned this I was made to feel that maybe I had something to hide in not feeling comfortable with it. I felt that there was a breakdown of trust, and I refused the job. Again, it was a personal choice - there's good arguments both for and against compulsory testing, but I don't like it.

Have you got a scientific name for that Tony? There seems to be three or four separate species with that common name.

Hey ups Dean, check for water logging, if it's ok, then I'd just go for some organic mulching. I've seen partially rotted (not fresh) woodchip work wonders at quite a few site in our parts of the world...

Deano, what's the adjacent land use? Its looks like a field, but I can't quite tell what's in it.