207-332 Arboriculture

The objectives of the subject are to extend the students' abilities to:

• describe the anatomy of trees, the nature of branch attachment and the structure of tree roots;

• identify the components of the compartmentalisation system that exists within the tree;

• implement proper tree management strategies;

• relate root development to the soils in which they grow and root management practices;

• relate tree growth to plant propagation and the method of tree planting;

• climb trees safely using various ropes and harness techniques and tie the necessary knots;

• use appropriate tools safely in tree maintenance, both on the ground and in the tree;

• develop tree management strategies and replacement procedures for trees growing in cities;

• evaluate the monetary value of amenity trees using accepted methods and the Burnley method;

• use the relevant laws that apply to trees growing in urban and amenity contexts;

• use the latest technology to assess the vigour, condition and soundness of trees;

• quote the costs of arboricultural procedures; and

• implement specialist arboricultural techniques.

The topics to be studied in the subject are:

• anatomy of trees, branch attachment and tree root systems;

• the components of the compartmentalisation systems within trees;

• root development, soils and methods of irrigation and fertilising and root management practices;

• tree growth, plant propagation and the method of tree planting;

• introduction to climbing trees safely using ropes and harness techniques and knots;

• development of tree management and replacement strategies for trees growing in cities;

• wound response, pruning techniques, tree selection criteria;

• tools - safety and use; tree climbing;

• safety in the tree;

• tree replacement strategies; tree evaluation;

• trees in cities, trees and the law;

• costing and contracts; tree surveys; tree pests and diseases;

• evaluating the monetary value of amenity trees using accepted valuation methods;

• the relevant laws that apply to trees growing in urban and amenity contexts; and

• using technology to assess the vigour, condition and soundness of trees.

One 3-hour examination worth 50% of final marks, two assignments equivalent to 2500 words in total and worth 20% each of final marks, and a practical assignment worth 10% of final marks.