ARBORICULTURE
Failure to remove co-dominant leaders at the proper time leads to included bark , a serious defect .
If any suspected tree problem or location issues are in doubt , it ’ s best to consult with a qualified professional . Highly competent tree professionals establish and maintain their skill sets through the International Society of Arboriculture ( ISA ). Various categories of certification exist ; the ones that pertain to this arena are the ISA Certified Arborist , the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification and the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist .
PRIORITIZING THE REMOVALS AND REMEDIATIONS Some trees are more problematic than others . Consider safety to players , spectators and landscape users as the highest priority , move on to threats to turf health , and then to general lack of aesthetic appeal .
Create a priority list with columns for tree species and location , identified issue / concern , proposed solution and follow-up evaluation – timeframe to be determined , usually six months later . The priority can be framed by field , by historic complaints , or by inputs from staff and stakeholders . As with problem identification , assistance from an ISA Certified Arborist can be very helpful during prioritization .
First , consider the background and specific personality of the “ pitchee ,” – the person being persuaded or informed . Most people favor credibility , act emotionally and think logically ; usually it ’ s a combination thereof , skewing in one of these categories , much like being an introvert or extrovert . Even the most reserved and quiet person has some degree of outward expression . It ’ s helpful to know beforehand which is their preference or at least a tendency . “ Hot buttons ” are similar , such as a desire to see color on the campus grounds or have water features near the field .
Like knowing the innate or chosen preferences of another person , being privy to their awareness of the need to remove trees can be very helpful as well . Convincing someone that removal is necessary is easier if they already know that there is some sort of need to do something to a particular tree that they ’ ve observed . The
COMMUNICATING WITH DECISION MAKERS It ’ s probable that at least some removals will need approval from a field owner , department manager , athletic director or other stakeholder . It ’ s rare that a sports field manager has total control over these sorts of decisions . With that in mind , persuading or at least communicating intent becomes a key component of navigating tree removals . A few considerations of the other person ( s ) in the equation can smooth out the process .
On high-pH soils , iron chlorosis is a common occurrence , and may be a consideration in the remove / retain decision .
16 SportsField Management | January 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com