ARBORICULTURE
Stem girdling roots limit the capacity for trees to adequately conduct water and nutrient movement .
Considering the obstacles that he was able to overcome and the achievements that he made , it ’ s especially pertinent . With tree removal :
Start where you are – Every sports field manager has had to define and implement various projects ; this is just one more . Use the skills that are general in nature and transfer them to this project .
Use what you have – Whether it ’ s advice from a neighbor who has recently had a tree removed or watching a YouTube video featuring an ISA Certified Arborist , reliable information is readily available .
Do what you can – Even if it ’ s only making a list of trees that appear to be problematic , a simple step can be very impactful .
casting excessive shade , creating surface roots and droppage of debris . If located close to the playing surface of a sports field or walking path on school grounds , it ’ s not so much the tree itself that is the issue , it ’ s the conflict with the purpose of the site ( a . k . a ., the location ).
In some cases , the opposite is the problem – the site itself is the issue , as in situations where more water or fertilizer is applied to maintain turf than is beneficial for the tree . This is certainly the case with herbicides that control broadleaf weeds . Turf maintenance equipment such as mowers and string trimmers pose threats to tree health , often causing damage to the bark and sapwood , which disrupts the movement of water and nutrients and often leads to decay of the heartwood .
Another consideration of location is the suitability of the site for the tree ’ s health . The common phrase of “ right plant , right place ” rings true here . A good technique for this factor is to ask , “ Is this a good spot for a ( fill in the blank ) tree , or , actually , any tree at all ?” After all , some trees are planted “ just because ,” and not for any real purpose . For overall tree vigor , consider size , shape , sun / shade preferences , fall color , spring bloom , disease resistance and other redeeming characteristics .
Finally , in terms of location , does the tree have to be removed or can it just be “ fixed ” or mitigated through pruning , cabling / bracing , radial trenching , relocation or root excavation ? In some situations , trees don ’ t have to be cut down ; rather they can be stabilized or modified to remain as an asset in the sports field or grounds landscape . This can be beneficial if a key stakeholder has a special interest in a given tree , or if it has historical or memorial significance .
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION When deciding which trees to work on first , start with the ones that appear to have something wrong with them . The obvious defects of cracks , previous topping procedures , soft / spongy wood , missing bark and sapwood at the base , and lots of stems that occupy the same general space are easy to spot .
Defect “ look alikes ” can be a little tricky , but are similar to actual defects in that they are conditions to note on a list of concerns . The ones that fall into this category are burls , exfoliating bark and root knees . These naturally occurring features of trees are not actual problems , they just look like it .
TREE LOCATION Just like with residential housing or commercial real estate , location is very influential in navigating tree removals . For example , trees often cause problems with
Location and size are important considerations when choosing and planting woody plants near sports fields . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com January 2023 | SportsField Management
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