Gary Prentice

It's trees Mick, there's never a 100% satisfactory answer to more or less any question. There's three threads running on identification that no-one can agree on, so what's the likelihood of agreement on something as complex as mulching and the effect on pathogens, soil bulk density, mycorrhiza, moisture retention and moisture percolation etc etc etc.

The only literature that I've ever read or lecturers that I've listened to have been positive. I wouldn't dispute that a breeding ground/habitat might be created but whether this is beneficial for harmful organisms is, in my opinion, unlikely. Go into an old woodland and start rooting about amongst the lead litter and organic debris, try to find something that is truly harmful to the trees (Apart from Heterobasidion annosum on conifer stumps). If the fungal decomposers were harmful to living trees, generally they'd be no woodland, the same with the microfauna. There's a lot of literature about hygiene in gardens, cleaning up and burning/removing fallen leaves - in some circumstances that may be necessary to prevent fungal spores re-colonizing the following year (tar spot on maples, ash die-back, horse-chestnut leaf miner and leaf blotch), but realistically most of these pathogens are so endemic unless everyone is doing the same it's unlikely to have any significant impact. Honey fungus is probably one of the main concerns, but even that is pretty widespread anyway and only really becomes problematic when it finds a tree that is stressed due to some other problem. I don't think I'd personally not mulch because of a possible chance of giving HF the upperhand. Have a look at Glyn Percivals papers on mulching. The sugars in cherry and hawthorn are meant to encourage mycorrhizal fungi, some other tree has antibiotic properties that are thought to reduce some diseases, can't remember which but might be hawthorn or willow. There's just so much literature available, but it's all very focused on each particular benefit so takes a bit of searching. But generally you won't go wrong using whatever you can get that is well composted.

You think? I wouldn't bet on that at all. The extent of their disregard for the safety of the general public suggests, to me, that those type of practices are the norm. They just got caught on camera this time.

Apparently the southerners only got a look in cos the Scots debated too long about spending the money but yes, there was a few of us. I'm glad that he's run it again, he's a nice bloke. We disagreed on a few things and had some correspondence after the event, but that's how you learn. Sometimes there isn't a right or wrong answer, no universal panacea to look to, but debate is healthy and encourages assessment of opposing opinions. Thanks for the well wishes

Was that last year? I must have missed that comment because I would have had to debate it. I'll have a look what I've got but have a busy weekend. Water retention is only one benefit, Reduction in competition from nutrients is another, introducing organic matter into the soil, increased soil organisms improve drainage and reduce soil bulk densities, sugars (particularly from prunus and hawthorn) encourage mycorrhizal activity. There's a few more, but those are off the top of my head. I look at this way, in their natural environment trees grow, shade out competition, drop leaves etc. Then we bring them into an artificial environment - surround them with grass that uses energy as we keep cutting it and removing the clippings, removing yet more nutrients. We trample the soil around their roots, clear the fallen leaves, all depleting nutrients and making life hard. Then we prune them and get surprised that they keep trying to grow. I think that it's amazing that the average street tree not only survives but actually grows, they are amazing what they overcome. How can attempting to recreate a little of their natural environment not be beneficial? @David Humphries had a post or thread a few years back on a knackered veteran pear, in grass, real last legs tree. He documented the mulching and followed it over a few years. I know that it's only one example, but I've seen the benefits of mulching over the years and it almost certainly can't harm.

Well that's just ruined his reputation..... Good on yer Mick

Mulch it, mulch it and mulch it. The trees been stressed, there's competition from the surrounding vegetation and it's going to be pruned again ( reducing some of it's energy stores and ability to photosynthesise. Treat the tree as a whole and give it a leg up towards surviving.

Do they need to be dessicated? How do the dormant ones within trees work?

Arb talk is counselling, isn't it? ?

With globalization the probability of preventing continuing importation of Chalara (and other pathogens) is so feasible, the likelihood of that is remote, let alone the time that spores remain viable anyway. The re-stocking of ash will/should come about about by saplings from the very small number of tolerant trees that survive the initial introduction. Luckily, ash is prolific in its seed production.

Might be dreaming, but I think ergot spores were found on cereal seeds (which were still viable themselves) in Egyptian tombs. Closer to home, there's spores within trees that remain dormant throughout the life of the tree just waiting to become active when the conditions are right.

Sorry!

Just reiterating the fact that work to the tree isn't the only option

If the speed sensors a bit too far from the flywheel/pulley the control box might be reading a lower than actual rpm, so when infeeding the drop in revs immediately activates the reverse roller. You can read the rpm on the led display, no load I think that that it's either 1300 or 2100, but the service lads will tell you at Redwood. The gap should be just enough to fit a pound coin between the sensor and pulley.

Absolutely useless mate. I'll take it off your hands though, for £50 if you deliver.

I think my tongue-in-cheek comment went over your head. But getting back on track, I agree, pay the little buggers something! I dont work for FA, so I don't expect anyone else to either (well I do occasionally work for nothing, but then it's for goodwill, building up favours or something like that) A decent individual just wouldn't take advantage would they.

Once bitten, twice shy!

You got paid, he didn't lie, what you moaning about?

It's work experience Steve. If nothing else, the kids learn that no matter how much energy and effort they put in, the employer won't reward or appreciate it.

Can't you move the track? ?

You can just see the BB ridge turning vertically below the fork, where the subordinate, right hand stem, has become co-dominate. This is just the sort of indication that Mattheck was pointing out on the field day this year.

An unexpected PM on here, just to ask how I'm doing.

I'd have thought that both sides, in any conflict, believe that they're on the good guy side? The belief by the Germans in WW2 was that God was on their side (Gott mit uns) so they must have been good guys, everyone else was wrong!

I'm sure that's a stock photo, you'd be wearing shorts and flip flops!

Wasn't me who who said your chain was slack Bill Thought this thread was a little ironic after passing a shop fitter with a chainsaw on the high street Monday afternoon, happily sawing a beam, all within his safety zone of a traffic cone and totally oblivious to passers by.