Tree Selection Flashcards
What are some site priorities
cold heat tolerance, moisture needs, soil needs, and light
Why is it important to pick the right tree?
ensure long term benefits, beauty, and satisfaction. A poorly planned tree species will require more frequent and costly maintenance. The goal of the tree planting is to maximize the inputs necessary for it to be sustainable.
What is acclimation
It is the gradual process by which a given tree adapts to changes in its environment. This usually involves physiological or morphological changes
What is adaptability
the genetic ability of a species to adjust to different environmental conditions
What is site consideration
Evaluating your planting site before selecting a tree
(site characteristics)
What is the microclimate effected by
buildings, topography, pavement, and other surroundings
What can be plants be limited by
growing space, water availability and drainage, soil texture and pH, light levels, weather and site use or function
Why is growing space important
when selecting the type of tree to plant in a particular site. The area must be large enough above and below ground to allow tree to reach its potential mature height, branch spread, trunk diameter, and root volume without interfering with surrounding objects
Why are light levels important an important consideration
Excessive shade can be a problem for some trees because many trees are not adapted for low light conditions
excessive light may cause additional stress to trees overheating leaves in summer and possible sunburn on branches
why are soil conditions important for sites
advisable to get a soil analysis to determine the texture, pH, soluble salts, and nutrient levels of the soil
soil quality is its water-holding capacity and drainage
alert to soil contaminants such as herbicides in the planting site could be toxic.
what is design criteria for trees
functions include engineering, architectural, and personal safety considerations such as controlling pedestrian traffic or hiding unsightly buildings features
Problem with urban sites
underground space is limiting, and the original soil has been greatly disturbed. Soil compaction may be extreme, the pH may be inappropriate , and moisture levels are likely to be suboptimal
what are some specific tree characteristics that make trees more desirable
exfoliating bark, features that attract, birds, or an interesting branching habit. Some trees are admired for their flowers or leaf color change in the autumn
Why should arborists consider future maintenance for tree sites
Some plants require more water than others, and supplemental irrigation or drainage may be necessary in some landscape situation. Ensuring adequate water is especially important in the first and second growing seasons following planting
install trees that will not need irrigation after the first two seasons
Some trees may need to be pruned regularly for health or size maintenance
What are the problems with fast growing trees
weak, brittle wood and develop multiple branches with included bark that may break easily in storms, They usually do not live as long as trees with more moderate growth rate
Why is it favorable to consider particular growth forms when selecting a tree
offer a solution to a growing-space problem
Cultivars of some tree species are available with different growth forms such as upright, pyramidal, or weeping. Trees with different growth forms also provide a variety of architectural effects in the landscape.
What is hardiness
Is a plant’s ability to survive winter growing conditions and often refers specifically to low temperatures
plants that are considered hardy in a given zone may still decline or die because of low temperatures if their roots are above ground in containers or if the microclimate around the plant is unusually cold. ( Furete)
Why are roots systems important in site considerations
rooting space available can restrict the choices of trees that can be planted. Some trees have a strong tendency to form surface roots that can damage pavement and cause problems for lawn mowers
What tree is stressed by high temperatures or dry conditions
moneterrey pine, torrey pine
what type of tree almost was wiped out but then a new cultivar was created and saved it
meyer lemon (pest/insect resistance)
what are similar to hardiness zones that help with selection
heat zone maps
what is a native species
a tree that grows well in its natural environment and range
what is an introduced/invasive species
a species that is considered non native to the ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm
what are naturalized species
a tree that has been reproducing and thriving in their new setting for decades or even centuries
what type of plants should arborist look to find for our mediterranean climates
bulletproof
why is climate change important to consider
consider plants to change with future climates
what type of tree should you look for in a nursery
Healthy tree NOT the biggest/tallest tree
Look for trees that have vigorous growth with vigorous shoot growth, vigorous trees will grow better and establish quickly.
Watch out for signs of pests, diseases, broken twigs, broken branches, bad or cracked graft union.
Check for good structure, good branch spacing, trunk taper, a dominant leader, no included bark.
Check out tree for mechanical damage injuries, sturdy trunk base.
Why should you examine the root ball at a nursery before buying
Look for the root/trunk flare to see if it is exposed and try to find flare before buying it.
Make sure the tree has not grown out of container or box
