New Guest Blogger Katy Krokower, a certified risk assessment arborist, submits her first Garden Help article. I’m thrilled that Katy will be offering her expert observations, opinions and ponderings to the Garden Help Community. – Thanks Katy! Robin
…and now Katy’s post…
Katy Touring Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, WA
Ok, I admit it. I’m a little afraid of my trees when it’s windy. My name is Katy Krokower and I’m a consulting arborist. A large part of my job involves putting client’s fears to rest while educating about proper tree care. The point of hiring someone like me is to help you on your way putting to rest your concerns about trees. So, if I’m a “professional” why am I still nervous?
No matter how many assessments I can give my trees (mine= once a day in unusually windy weather) conditions can always change, even day to day. Plus, add the concept of “accumulated stress” into the mix and things get even more interesting. Tree stresses may be very dramatic and obvious or in many cases not easily observed or recognized. Obvious signs of damage may include trunk or storm damage while stresses from grade changes, soil compaction or pollution are not very visible. Since trees have an accumulated growth habit, they often do not display immediate responses to stress. The phenomenon of accumulated stress is why it can be difficult to determine how long a stressed tree has to live.
A good example of this concept is a homeowner living in a brand new subdivision carved out from a forest remnant noticing that their trees are “suddenly dying”. Especially if the trees are located near the new home, it is often a sad but sure bet that all summer a piece of heavy machinery parked under that tree for shade all summer causing the soil to become compacted. Of course the he signs and symptoms of stress don’t usually show up until the housing is complete and the development crew has long gone.
However, shoving uncertainty aside I will stress again that the point of my whole career is to aleve fear of trees through education and giving sound advice. Tree risk assessment involves inspecting every facet of a tree from root to shoot. A consultant who has ISA, ASCA or TRACE training is at least minimally qualified to be able to make a reasonable judgment of the hazards your tree might have has. We use cutting edge information to make an assessment in a professional manner. Just because I’m experimenting in my own yard with my own trees doesn’t mean I’ll do the same to yours!
Concerned about your trees and want to learn more about Katy or contact her? Go here for more info. on Katy Krokower and Gardenvision.net
