Today we set out to define some tree care terms for future use.
So, you consider yourself a tree fan. How about an arborist?
As with any scientific (or commercial) specialty, arboriculture—the study of trees—is replete with jargon; in this case, the terminology generally happens to “sound” more complicated than the objects/phenomena actually designated…
-That was admittedly a bit of a mouthful, but keep yourself rooted to the spot because there’s sure to be more where that came from, as we set out now to define some tree care terms sure to separate the hobbyists from the enthusiasts…. from the arborists.
Don’t worry: you won’t get stumped.
Roles
- Arborist: a professional dedicated to the scientific study of trees and shrubs. Highly trained and certified, arborists are tasked with (and devoted to) the health and happiness of trees. Specialists are exceptionally well-versed in tree care, whether that means maintenance or intensive care…
- Tree Surgeon: a light-hearted term for the new role an arborist plays upon moving from diagnostics to actual operation. Pruning, stump removal, tree removal—all fall within the expert domain of the skilled and meticulous Tree Surgeon! Note that safety is one of the most rigorous areas of TS training.
Processes with Tree Care
- Trimming: an aesthetic process where tree stems and branches are tidily clipped (usually with lopping shears) to suit one’s individual tastes, not to be confused with…
- Pruning: the health-maintenance process wherein a Tree Surgeon uses smaller shears to adeptly remove any dead or dying branches, ensuring the tree’s short-term stability as well as its robust future growth
Tree Anatomy with Tree Care
- Crown: the top of a tree; the first “portion” to begin emerging from the soil, where in maturity fruits and flowers grow. This leaves of this lush canopy do the vast majority photosynthesis work, simultaneously “feeding” the tree and purifying surrounding air.
- Root Collar: the term for the “ring” of roots where they meet up with the trunk. Critical for the free flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide; mustn’t be weighed down by soil (let alone buried), as this would staunch the O2 /CO2 transmittal.
- Drip Line: when water falls from the canopy, it is most efficiently caught and retained here in the portion of the tree just below the crown proper. This is accomplished by a localized abundance of mini-roots—called feeder rootlets—that extend to absorb nutrients as well as water.
“Treetments”
- Soil Injection: liquid fertilizer injected into root adjacent soil for highly efficient absorption and distribution
- Trunk Injection: generally used to revitalize unhealthy trees, this fertilizer delivery method involves the placement of any number of miniscule, regularly-spaced holes to act as multiple points of access for the direct administration of restorative treatments
Professional Tree Service from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh, and Middle River. For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.