Tree Logic Arboricultural Consultants » Arboricultural management

Myrtle rust – have you seen it?

Stephen Frank — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:13:26 +0000

The fungus Uredo rangelii (myrtle rust) has been detected on two commercial properties on the New South Wales central coast. Myrtle rust is considered to be part of a group of rust fungi collectively known as eucalyptus/guava rust. The Department of Primary Industries and Department of Sustainability and Environment have circulated Emergency Plant Pest Alerts. Severe rust disease in young trees may kill shoot tips, causing loss of leaders and a bushy habit. Rusts are highly transportable and are most often dispersed by wind but they may also attract bees who work the spores on leave. The spores can also be spread via contaminated clothing, infected plant material and insect movement. Early identification of this rust is vital for effective management. Any rust noticed on Myrtaceae species should be reported by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii) on Agonis flexuosa, cv. Afterdark (willow myrtle) Photo: Dr Angus Carnegie

Host species

In Australia, myrtle rust has recently been detected on Agonis (willow myrtle), Syncarpia (turpentine) and Callistemon(bottlebrush) species.

Internationally, there are unconfirmed reports of infection on some Eucalyptus species. It has also been confirmed on Myrtus, Syzygium and Heteropyxis species overseas.
To date, it has not been confirmed on Australian eucalypts.

Spread

Rusts are highly transportable. The most common dispersal mechanism is via wind, but they may also be dispersed by bees who work the spores on leaves.
The spores can also be spread via contaminated clothing, infected plant material and insect movement.

Myrtle rust on turpentine Photo: Dr Angus Carnegie

Identification

Myrtle rust produces lesions on young, actively growing leaves and shoots, as well as on fruits and sepals. Leaves may become buckled or twisted as a result of infection.
On turpentine and bottlebrush, rust lesions are purple in colour, with masses of bright yellow or orange-yellow spores. Occasionally, they may have dark brown spores.
Severe rust disease in young trees may kill shoot tips, causing loss of leaders and a bushy habit.

Reporting

Any rust noticed on Myrtaceae species should be reported. Please call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on
Freecall 1800 084 881.
Do not collect samples of suspected myrtle rust, as this could spread the disease.

Healthy soil, potential breakthrough research

Stephen Frank — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 05:44:15 +0000

Healthy soil differs from dirt in the myriad of life forms it contains. Soil organisms (the biological properties of a soil) aerate, decompose plant material, assist nutrient absorption, build soil structure, reduce water requirements and play a vital role in the nitrogen cycle.
A proper balance of nutrients and pH obviously play a significant role in healthy plant growth. Biological activity can also affect the pH of the soil and subsequent impacts on the utilisation of of nutrients.
The biological properties of a soil decompose the organic matter in the form of litter falling on the soil surface and subsequently incorporates it into the soil profile. Nutrients are released as by-products, including the mineralization of nitrogen and nitrogen fixation (making nitrogen available to plants). The soil’s physical properties, including moisture content, temperature, aeration (bulk density) pH and nutrient content are necessary for a diverse soil organism population and a high level of activity. Limiting any of these factors limits soil organism activity, organic matter cycling and subsequently reduces soil fertility.
The undisturbed forest soil has organic layers in it’s profile. These organic layers comprise leaf litter at the surface, a decomposition layer and a humus layer. These large, high-molecular-weight molecules are made up of carbon, nitrogen, soil minerals and soil aggregates. The resultant humus is a stable, inseparable part of the soil matrix that can remain intact for hundreds of years.
When OM is incorporated into the surface soil it forms the topsoil (A horizon) and this horizon has the most optimum conditions for plant growth.
Urban soils are generally highly disturbed soil environments that do not mimic the soil conditions of natural forest soils. Human activity is the predominant agent in the formation of urban soils. Urbanisation also contributes unique amendments and contaminants to the urban soil.
Disturbing soil profiles, mixing and filling, and contamination lead to variability. This can also lead to compaction; restricted aeration and water drainage, crusting and bare, often hydrophobic surfaces. Importantly, interrupted nutrient cycling and modified soil organism activity result in unhealthy (low vigour) growth and predisposes plants to other environmental and biological stresses.
Tree decline is as a result of several interacting factors, such as prolonged drought, competition with adjacent trees, pest and disease infestation and generally depleted soil environments. Poor soil structure is a significant predisposing stress factor for plants. Poor soil structure affects water infiltration and permeability, water holding capacity, aeration status and loss of pore space. If plants do not have access to sufficient water and oxygen they will decline.
Healthy soil requires organic matter (OM); it aids in aggregation (soil structure), cation exchange (storehouse of nutrients) and water holding capacity. But most importantly, it sustains biological life in the soil; the greater amount and diversity of biological life there is in a soil the greater potential for healthier plant growth. Soil health is the basis for plant health and by extension, healthy plants can help develop healthy humans.
Tree Logic has commenced a trial to incorporate humus into urban soils. Ninety established Plane (Platanus spp.) street trees exhibiting decline symptoms, were treated using liquid humus, Seasol® and urea. A number of trees in parks and reserves within an eastern Melbourne municipality were also treated.
A sample of the trees to be treated along with controls in close proximity that included healthy Planes and Planes displaying similar malaise were established prior to the commencement of treatments. The samples looked at current season shoot tip extension and leaf size. In addition, leaf samples were fluoresced and data captured on short and long term stress indicators. This data will be compared against future samples to determine the efficacy of the treatments over a 2 year period.
Injecting liquid humus into urban soils will start to build up the organic content of the soils which will aid water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, and reduce leaching. Organic matter can also buffer effects of any pesticides and stabilise pH. Treatments are carried out in autumn and spring (before bud burst). Humified carbon differs physically, chemically and biologically from the labile pool of organic carbon that typically forms in agricultural soils. Labile organic carbon arises principally from biomass inputs (such as leaf litter) which are readily decomposed.
In conjunction with the liquid humus the soils can also be injected with liquid nitrogen. In degraded urban soils the major nutritional limitation on plant growth is lack of nitrogen (Pulford, 1991). Without an adequate pool of organic nitrogen, which microbial activity breaks down into forms (NH4+ & NO3-), mineral nitrogen is quickly depleted in soils and nitrogen deficiencies develop. Low organic matter content is typical of urban soils consequently nitrogen is the nutrient most limiting to growth (Roberts, Jackson, Smith, 2006).
The other consideration is the on-going nature of the applications, that is, to be successful a number of applications will be required. Products, application timing and rates and costs could be developed upon request.

Managing ageing trees in the urban context

webmaster — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 04:43:46 +0000

Recent articles in the Tree Logic newsletter and seminar topics have discussed management difficulties associated with an ageing urban tree population (Newsletter 15- Feb 2010- Canberra Urban Forest Renewal Project.)
Many arborists are facing the difficulties of managing ageing trees in the urban context. Many of these ageing specimens were originally planted into larger open sites with natural soils and during a period when watering regimes were abundant and bordering on frivolous when we think of the species being planted and the prevailing climate.
Tree establishment in the modern urban setting is confronted with a raft of problems including limited space and soil volume, soil compaction, water limitations, hard and reflective surfaces, infrastructure, vandalism, drought and the associated costs of managing these constraints. With this in mind there is a strong incentive to retain ageing trees for as long as possible in a safe and aesthetically pleasing condition.
Ways to do this may include;

Adjusting the landscape use to remove potential targets within the fall zone of an old tree.
An intensive regime of watering and soil amelioration in conjunction with crown maintenance pruning. This could include reduction pruning, thinning, deadwood removal, weight reduction and cabling if necessary.
Aggressive crown reduction pruning or ‘Pollarding’.
Habitat pruning.
Permitting and managing suckering regrowth or stumps to re-sprout.

The appropriate treatment must be based on an understanding of the species, an assessment of the condition of the tree and the potential response that the particular specimen may have to a nominated management strategy. This article is looking at the practice of re-lopping trees to re-introduce a regime of ‘pollarding’. The practice of pollarding ideally begins on younger vigorous trees with reduction pruning of lateral branches on the main scaffold form of the tree to promote a vigorous response of new shoots from the wound wood developed at the pruning sites. The shoots are than pruned back regularly at 1-3 year intervals to just above the point of origin ensuring the pollard head is not injured. The Australian Standard (AS 4373-2007) – Pruning of Amenity trees discusses pollarding and that it should not be performed on mature trees that have not been pollarded previously.

We are starting to see examples where tree managers are adopting less orthodox methods in an attempt to extend the useful life of ageing trees and mitigate the risk potential associated with limb shedding. One method involves re-lopping some of the older previously lopped Plane trees (Platanus xacerifolia) hopefully with a commitment to managing the regrowth in a similar fashion to pollarding. This approach may be appropriate with this species because Plane trees can have a strong callus and wound-wood response, often occluding large wounds. The practice may be effective where the main scaffold structure remains intact and regrowth is confined to the primary and secondary limbs and where the tree displays good vigour and is likely to respond with vigorous regrowth. The regrowth would be likely to be more proportionate to the host limb and can be managed with target pruning principles as they develop, more so than if the regrowth emanates from the stem of a lopped tree. If the tree does not display good vigour, the dramatic loss of foliage may induce further decline symptoms and even premature death because the trees’ energy source has effectively been removed.

The management of these trees treated in this way must remain vigilant to what is continuing to occur beneath the callus and wound wood as decay will continue to advance into the scaffold structure. This method may be considered in some of the ageing Elms and Oaks that may have suffered large scale failures but only where the main scaffold structure is reasonably intact and tree health is likely to sustain vigorous regrowth and wound wood response. This may be undertaken as a form of Crown Restoration but there must be a commitment to the ongoing management of the regrowth for the life of the tree.
Such work cannot be a set and forget option. This principle is generally unsuitable for our larger native eucalypts and exotic conifers. It is not a safe option to lop the trunks of such trees because this generally removes the scaffold structure and the resultant regrowth that is produced from the trunks is poorly attached and the attachment of the regrowth is further compromised by the progression of trunk decay down from the wound site.
Any treatment that utilises an aggressive reduction pruning regime must be undertaken only where there is a commitment of resources to an ongoing tree management strategy and ultimately a plan for the eventual removal and replacement of the subject trees because decline and death is inevitable.

Click here to download the full fact sheet

The following photo catalogue demonstrates some of these points.

Plane tree that has been lopped and re-lopped

Vigorous ability of the species to occlude wounds and graft or pleach branches.

Some examples of mature Plane trees in urban Melbourne with a history of being lopped and with the cycle starting to be repeated.

A Plane tree re-lopped and responding with vigorous regrowth from the pruning sites

Wound wood is developed at the wound site which may eventually occlude the wound

A plane tree that may be a candidate for the practice where foliage density is reduced in the upper crown but the lower parts of the tree are producing new growth.

An example of a declining Plane tree where the removal of the crown, the trees’ energy source, was the last straw and the tree is now desiccated and almost dead

An example of Dutch Elm with extensive crown dieback.

An example of reduction pruning of an adjacent Elm that has removed the deadwood and reduced the overall crown area in accordance with Australian Standard (AS 4373-2007) - Pruning of Amenity trees.

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The practice of lopping is not suitable for all trees and the native eucalypts, especially, respond poorly to lopping. The outcomes associated with lopping include;

Vigorous and elongated regrowth from around the wound site that is typically poorly attached
Onset of decay at the lopping site that further weakens the union of the regrowth.
A reduction in tree vigour due to loss of foliage.
The tree can become more susceptible to decay and insect or borer attack in response to a reduction in vigour which in turn contributes to further health and structural deficiencies and decline

Typical responses to lopping of Eucalypt species

When considering management of ageing trees it is critical that advice is sought from an arborist who can identify and understands the species, the potential response of various management options and can design an ongoing management plan that will also identify when the tree has exceeded its useful life and should be removed.
The necessity to adopt these unorthodox management strategies reflects an underlying problem associated the tree no longer being well suited to its current location due to altered site conditions. When considering replacement trees we must aim to select the right tree (species) for the right place.

The science behind Arboriculture

Glenn — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:08:30 +0000

A bit like CSI, sometimes identifying tree species can be a tricky business. Some trees have really subtle differences and depending on the season, you may not always be able to identify the exact specie without calling on a higher power….science! Here at Tree Logic we have a range of technical diagnostic instruments and resources to undertake many of the basic testing that is needed at part of or typical consulting works. These include pH and EC meters, Munsell Soil Chart Kits and Plant Tissue Index charts and various sampling devices. Occasionally Tree Logic consultants come across plant problems that require additional diagnostic services. There are a range of industry bodies and private companies who have specialised diagnostic services for such tricky plants. By working in collaboration with scientists we find the solutions to particular problems.

Species Identification:

If we find a specimen that is so rare or unusual that the individual consultant and the team back at Tree Logic cannot identify it either at Genus or Species level even after referring to a wide range of technical books and computer programs, such as our featured tree we might send our sample to the National Herbarium for identification.
Plant Identification Service
National Herbarium of Victoria
Royal Botanic Gardens
Birdwood Avenue
South Yarra, VIC, 3141
Phone: (03) 9252 2315

Pest & Disease Identification:

Occasionally our technicians will find a pest or a disease of a tree that is difficult to identify or unable to be seen when suspected. For example, fungal diseases such as Fusarium Wilt, Amillaria and Phytophthora can be difficult to identify in many situations and often the best practice is to send a sample of plant, root and soil off for expert analysis.
Unusual pests or pest that are difficult to see with the naked eye can also be sent or taken for a fee, to service diagnostic laboratories.

Institute for Horticultural Development
Crop Health Services
Private Bag 15
Scoresby Business Centre, VIC, 3176
Phone: (03) 9210 9356
Fax: (03) 9887 3166

Or take it to:

Crop Health Services
621 Burwood Highway
Knoxfield, VIC, 3180
between 8.30am – 4.30pm (Monday to Friday)

Forest Pathology Laboratory
Forest Science Centre Department of Sustainability and Environment
123 Brown Street, Heidelberg
Ph: 9450 8666, Fax: 9450 8644
Postal address: PO Box 137, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084

Leaf & Tissue Analysis:

Tree Logic sometimes has the need to understand the nutrient status of a plant so that we can best detect a deficiency or recommend fertilizing to treat a particular nutrient issue. Prior to any recommendations for treatment Tree Logic will often obtain a plant leaf or tissue analysis so that levels of macro and micro nutrients are understood and any deficiencies can be confirmed.

Incitec Pivot Limited
8 South Road,
Werribee, VIC 3030
Toll-free: 1800 803 453
Fax: (03) 9974 0699
Email: HYPERLINK “mailto:lab.feedback@incitecpivot.com.au” lab.feedback@incitecpivot.com.au

Tips for Preparing Your Samples

Samples need to be properly bagged and labelled. It is best to telephone the organisation prior to sending off samples to learn the correct process.

Tree Logic Services:

Tree Logic also has a range of technical equipment that we use to diagnose certain tree and plant issues. We can now offer these services on a casual basis when additional information is required in particular situations.

1. Sibert DMP™ Decay Detection Drill:

This decay detection works in the same manner as a Resistograph but with the added stability of a continuous pressure reading to add a further degree of accuracy to the readings. This resistance to penetration is recorded digitally and the information provided indicates the presence and extent of wood decay as well as dendrological information. The information can be displayed graphically to aid in understanding of the findings.

Tree Logic can undertake Sibert DMP™ Decay Detection works as part of a stand-alone inspection or combine it with an aerial canopy inspection.

2. Chlorophyll Fluorescence Measuring:

Chlorophyll fluorescence can be used to investigate the health status of leaf samples of the plant. Chlorophyll fluorescence works on the principle that photosynthesis is one of the core functions in the physiology of plants. The functional state of photosynthesis has been considered an ideal physiological activity to monitor the health and vitality of plants. Tree Logic uses a HandyPEA portable fluorescence spectrometer to obtain fluorescence values from the sample leaves and then comparing these to a health sample to compare and assess the health status.

Tree Logic can undertake these works including sampling, testing and interpretation of fluorescence values and plant health.

Download a printable pdf Factsheet here

Air Spade® Air Excavation Tool

Glenn — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:10:16 +0000

AIR-SPADE® is used by arborists and landscape professionals worldwide for:

Root Collar Excavation
Plant Aeration
Vertical Mulching
Soil Compaction Relief
Disease diagnosis and treatment
Transplanting
Bare rooting
Damage analysis
Locating Roots in New Construction
Root Pruning and Structure Analysis
Running utilities through the root zone
Radial trenching

Full Range of Spare parts & additions Available:

0.6m,0.9m, 1.2m, 1.5m barrel extensions or Custom length barrel can be ordered
Additional nozzles include; 15, 25, 60, 105, 150 & 225 scfm nozzles
45o Angled Adapter Arboricultural
Scratch Proof Face Shield
Spare Parts Kit
Storage Case with lock
AIR-SPADE® Handle
3m, 7.5m & 15m Lightweight Hose Lengths Available

Benefits of Air-Spade® Excavation:

Digs faster and harder soils than competitive or home made wands
Less worker fatigue/injuries than a pick or shovel
Faster and safer than hand digging
Saves expensive hourly labour costs
Non-damaging to all kinds of buried utilities or plant roots
Digs without making mud and does not create “contaminated” spoil like water
Excavated soil is ideal for decompaction
Modular design with parts that screw together without tools
Interchangeable nozzles sized to match air compressors from 15 to 250 scfm
Interchangeable extensions to 8ft and reducers to 2 ft
Ergonomic handle with thermal shield and pressure gauge
Safety “dead Man” trigger with guard
Electrically insulating barrel
Hardened wear resistant stainless steel nozzle
450 deg adaptor

Why Does the AIR-SPADE® out perform other air tools?
In head to head tests, the AIR-SPADE® dislodged harder clay soil and dug faster than other air digging tools. Compressed air exiting from a pipe nipple, orifice, or improperly designed nozzle expands outward rapidly to 3 to 4 times the area of the nozzle as opposed to the jet from the patented supersonic nozzle in the AIR- SPADE®.

Will higher pressure make the AIR-SPADE® work better?
Increasing the air pressure above 90 psi on a properly designed supersonic nozzle does not lead to a proportional gain in excavation capability. For example, doubling the nozzle pressure to 180 psi increases the air jet force by only 10% and the exit momentum flux (stress seen by the soil) by only 45%. Supplying higher pressure to a nozzle designed to work at 90 psi actually un-focuses the air jet degrading ?performance and consuming more air. The patented CEG Supersonic nozzle turns 90 psig compressed air into laser-like Mach 2 jet. Jet penetrates and fractures friable materials like soil but harmlessly goes
around buried pipes, cables, fibre-optic lines and tree roots.

In what types of soil will an AIR-SPADE® work?
Because of its unique, focused air-jet, the AIR-SPADE® works in most soils, even hard clays. Cohesive soils can be classified and described by unconfined compressive strength as shown below. Tests have shown the AIR-SPADE® to be effective in compacted soils with unconfined compressive strengths well above the values listed below for hard clay. Watering the work area ahead of time can be helpful sometimes. Watering reduces airborne dust if the soil is extremely dry. It also reduces the soil’s strength making the digging easier. Combined use of the AIR-SPADE® with a low pressure water jet is effective even with extreme cases of highly compacted or sun-baked soils.
The AIR-SPADE® in general will not cut through rock, since its unconfined compressive strength is much greater than for soil. Shales, however, may be broken apart by the AIR-SPADE® if the jet is directed between the laminations of the rock.

What size nozzle should I use?
Nozzles are available that use from 15 to 225 cfm of compressed air. The amount of soil that can be dislodged in a given amount of time is roughly proportional to the amount of air used. The 150 cfm nozzle is the most commonly used size for arboricultural and industrial applications. It has good productivity and is designed to run from the most common size of portable air compressor, a 175 to 185 cfm unit

How should I dig with the AIR-SPADE®?
The AIR-SPADE® will dislodge up to several centimeters deep in a medium to stiff soil in one pass. High-speed movies show that an air-jet penetrates and dislodges the soil in a fraction of a second. Unless the soil is highly compacted, dwelling on the same spot is unnecessary and tends to increase spray. The AIR-SPADE® can be moved over the soil surface at a rate of about 20-30cm per second. When several centimeters of soil have been loosened, the soil should be removed to expose a fresh working face for the air jet. Vacuum suction, as provided by our AIR-VAC and SAFEX® units, is an excellent companion to the AIR-SPADE® since it is likewise non-damaging.

What size of air hose do I need to use the AIR-SPADE® properly?
Compressed air flowing through a hose experiences a drop in pressure from friction and constrictions. Friction loss is proportional to the length of the hose. The amount of air, its pressure, the hose inner diameter and its smoothness also determine the loss. The table below shows the pressure loss for 50 feet of common air hose with couplings as a function of size and nozzle flow, cfm, for air at a pressure of 90 psi. Generally, a 1-inch air hose is recommended for use with the AIRSPADE®.

How much will it Cost ?
Arbor Kit complete includes: AIR-SPADE® Series 2000 tool *
* includes handle, 150 cfm / 90 psi nozzle, and 4 foot barrel.
AIR-SPADE® Series 2000 tool + Storage Case with lock: $3,800.00*
*Prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations

Click here to order online

Click here to download the printable fact sheet for Air Spade®

Canberra – Urban Forest Renewal

Dean Simonson — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:45:07 +0000

In early 2009 Treelogic was involved in a pilot study with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government to undertake a tree inventory and make recommendations about future auditing needs so that the ACT Government can better manage their ageing tree assets through a renewal and cyclic maintenance program.

This could seem a straight forward task, but Canberra is a city full of trees. The ACT Government alone, on public land manages an estimated 630,000 trees, with 440,000 trees being in urban parks and streets. The enormity of these numbers starts to make the process more complex. The problem is further complicated by the short time periods in which many trees were planted. Canberra is not unique in this respect as tree planting in most cities and towns also coincides with land development activities.

To give an idea of the rapid tree planting that took place in Canberra, in the Parliamentary Triangle alone, under the direction of Thomas Weston, the First Superintendant of Parks, over one million trees were planted in nature strips and parkland in a 4 year period in the early 1920s.

Canberra has experienced three big population growth periods; firstly at the time of the city’s inception in the 1920s, the 1950s-1970s and in the current day. Trees in the first period were mainly exotic, and trees in the second period were mainly native. The native trees are proving to be more short lived than the exotics, and both are ageing, declining and becoming hazardous simultaneously.

Trees now dominate the city and provide many aesthetic and social benefits that the residents value. However as we know trees don’t live forever and the ACT Government has embarked on a strategic approach to renew the urban forest for future generations.

Changing weather patterns add to the challenge of identifying poorly performing species and selecting appropriate trees for replacement.

The ACT Government has identified 5 key drivers for its Urban Forest Renewal Program and they include:

Decreasing the Government’s exposure to risk from tree related incidents
Maintaining the ‘look and feel’ of Canberra
Maximising the benefits of the urban forest
Normalising the age-class structure
Prepare for changes in climate

The ultimate aim of urban forest renewal activities is to analyse the entire public urban forest and design a program that identifies those streets and parks where renewal is a priority. The ACT Government has sought expert advice from leading heritage, planning, urban development, horticulture, landscape architecture, forest and climate change experts. It has been well recognised that communication will play an equally significant part in the success of the program and thus community engagement and involvement is also at the forefront in planning decisions.

The analysis of the public urban forest will utilise geographic information systems (GIS). This will enable tree managers to spatially and graphically understand the forest structure and condition. With an understanding of these attributes, tree managers can plan for the renewal of targeted sections of the urban forest.

Treelogic believes the approach adopted by the ACT Government is at the cutting edge of urban forest management in Australia and is proud to be involved with the early stages of the project.

More information

Smart-Shot™ – how did it all happen

Stephen Frank — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:18:44 +0000

Tree Logic had been trialing tree injectors for many years. Glenn Waters Director/Consulting Arborist & Sales explains “whatever system we tried, there always seemed to be some element we felt could be improved”. Through research Glenn located a manufacturer of animal health syringes. For several years Tree Logic and the manufacturer have trialed different prototypes working towards a design that works, is refillable, efficient, sturdy enough for commercial use and reasonably priced. Viola! The Smart Shot Refillable Tree Injector was born.

What Benefits does Smart-Shot™ bring to the industry?

Smart Shot is easy to use and with the draw-off loader there is no need to come into contact with any chemical. It has low pressure (<3.5psi) as opposed to other injection systems that can cause wood tissue wounding at the injection site. It also has a very small injection hole and no rubber or plastic plugs need to be inserted or left in the tree. “The main benefits of smart shot is that it is low cost, immediately refillable and reusable, safe, efficient and easy to use” says Glenn.

How Significant is Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?

There has already been considerable interest in the product. As Glenn says “if the number of enquiries and emails are any indication we may see the Smart Shot Refillable Tree Injector being the industry standard for this type of work in the future”.

Smart-Shot™ is a trademark of Tree Logic Pty Ltd

Order online now at Tree Logic

Fig Tree Planting at the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne

David — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:58:46 +0000

The redevelopment of the Hyatt’s Foyer is complete and the five Ficus hilli var. ‘Flash’ installed by Tree Logic are prospering in their purpose built habitat.

The project presented many challenges none less demanding than balancing the horticultural requirements of the plants against engineering constraints, interior design requirements and construction schedules.

Tree Logic was involved with the designers from the outset providing advice that ensured adequate soil volume was designed into the floor space, specifying soil media appropriate for growth that meet ?oor load restraints, securing appropriate species of a large enough size to create an impact and advising on appropriate artifcial lighting requirements to sustain the three trees that were located within the building.

That was the easy part.

The installation of the trees was undertaken in conjunction with the construction process which was demanding to say the least. Getting the materials we required including almost 70 cubic meters of soil media and five 6 meter tall trees weighing 1.2 tonne each into the site from Collins and Russell Street was a challenge in itself that was compounded by tight deadlines, even tighter access and the need to protect expensive floor coverings. Once we were in, drainage had to be installed, the soil media had to be carefully layered within the pits, the trees set, irrigation installed, moisture and temperature monitoring equipment fitted all completed whilst a myriad of other construction activities went on around us in close proximity.

In the final phases of the construction process, Tree Logic also had to ensure that the trees and the pits were kept free of building debris such as plaster and stone dust whilst monitoring and testing our systems.

With that all behind us, Tree Logic is now charged with the responsibility of maintaining the trees over the expected life of the design and developing their form to suit the space and, in time; create spectacular indoor trees.

Tree Logic would like to thank our staff, GHG, Bar Studios, Billard Leece, May Horticultural, Kanes Construction and Irene Gosney to mention a few for their patience and support through the delivery of this project.

Fire Retardant Trees

Stephen Frank — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:00:24 +0000

Apart from the potential human tragedy and loss, bushfires often result in a temporary loss of landscape amenity. Following bushfires there is often apprehension by those directly affected about replanting trees adjacent to homes and other buildings.

The benefits of trees in our landscapes are significant and well documented. The use of fire retardant trees in areas prone to bushfires can not only add beauty to our gardens, but when selected and placed appropriately they can assist in safeguarding homes in the advent of a bushfire.

Trees with the best fire-retardant properties are those which have soft leaves with a high moisture content, smooth and non-peeling barks, and low volatility oils in their foliage. In general this includes the majority of deciduous trees and some evergreens from the sub-tropics and rain forests. Trees that create or hold on to lots of dry dead branches and debris, have loose flaky bark, have dense, fine foliage with a low moisture content should be avoided.

All plants, whether they are exotic or Australian, will burn when subjected to sufficient heat. Different fire conditions have varying effects at different times on the same species The tree selections made here will not guarantee safety in a bush fire. Instead, the following selection of trees, if correctly sited, can compliment fire management plans for individual homes by serving as a wind break absorbing and deflecting radiant heat from the fire and acting as a barrier to flying sparks and embers.

Trees and landscapes must be part of a complete fire planning system and ongoing diligence in managing your site. Site management includes maintaining trees in a healthy condition, for example keeping soil moist, pruning out dead wood and cleaning up debris and leaf litter.

The following list is not definitive. Further information can be sought from the references listed below and from local authorities. The following trees could be used for specimen plantings. Planting of trees should take into consideration separation distances between buildings.

Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood). Tree will vary in size dependent on climate and soil type. 8-15 m in height.
Acer campestre (Hedge Maple). Deciduous medium tree 8-10m. Use varieties ‘Queen Elizabeth’ or ‘Elsrijk’
Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ (Variety of Box-elder Maple). Deciduous, broad domed, medium sized tree to 12-15m.
Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia). Variable tree up to 10 m in height.
Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree). Pyramidal tree 8-15 m in height.
Brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) Domed evergreen tree, 12-20 m in height.
Cupaniopsis anacardioides (Tuckeroo). Broad-domed evergreen tree 8-12 m in height.
Lophostemon confertus (Queensland Brush Box). Broad-domed evergreen tree 10-15 m in height.
Melia azedarach (White Cedar). Broad-domed, deciduous tree. 8-15 m in height.
Quercus canariensis (Algerian Oak). Large, broad domed tree. 20-25 m in height.
Stenocarpus sinuatus (Firewheel Tree). Upright tree 8-14 m in height.
Syzygium paniculatum (Magenta Brush Cherry). Narrow to broad-domed evergreen tree 10-15 m in height.
Tristaniopsis laurina (Water Gum, Kanooka). Small, broad-domed tree 6-8 m in height.

The following trees could form useful screens adjacent to buildings.

Acmena smithii var. minor (Lilly Pilly). Small tree, bronzy new growth 3-6m
Acmena smithii ‘Hot Flush’ (Lilly Pilly var.) Up to 3m with moderate growth habit and reddish new growth.
Acmena smithii ‘Sublime’ (Lilly Pilly var.). Small tree large shrub with lime green new growth. Up to 3-5m
Eleaocarpus eumundii (Eumundi Quandong). Moderate sized conical tree to 8-10m tall by 3m.
Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash)
Hymenosporum flavum (Native Frangipani). Narrow tree to 10 m in height. Best used in clumps or groups.
Pyrus calleryana ‘Capital’ (Callery Pear var.) Deciduous, columnar tree to 12m.

The following are varieties of Scrub Cherry (Syzygium australe).

Syzygium australe ‘Aussie Southern’ 3-4m
Syzygium australe ‘Elite’ 3-5m
Syzygium australe ‘Pinnacle’ Very narrow habit 3-5m
Syzygium ‘Aussie Northern’ Compact to 4-5m

Trees damaged by bushfire that are close to buildings, driveways or other high target areas should be inspected by a qualified arborist to ascertain tree hazard and appropriate remedial works.
Some trees, although looking irreparable from external appearance, may recover.

References:
Australian Plant Study Group (1990). ‘Fire-retarders’ in Grow what where : over 2,750 Australian native plants for every situation, special use and problem area. Viking O’Neil, South Yarra, Vic., pp. 42-43.
Webster, J. K. (2000). The complete bushfire safety book, 3 rd rev. edn., Random House, Milsons Point, NSW.
Australian National Botanic Gardens Library (2009) Fires, gardens and fire retardant plants – a bibliography (Updated 13th January 2006). Available at http://www.anbg.gov.au/bibliography/fire-plants.html [Accessed 9 March 2009].

Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector

Stephen Frank — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:51:01 +0000

For over a decade Tree Logic has been involved in extensive research and testing of every commercially available tree injection system. Every device we tested had some issue that prevented it being the perfect solution for the complex requirements of accurate tree injection.

This experience has been invaluable in showing our research team the advantages and disadvantages of individual systems. To this end, Tree Logic has spent the last few years working on a prototype injector that fulfils all requirements while being a high enough quality to stand the rigours of constant commercial use. The result of this testing and research is new Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector.

Available now in the Tree Logic online store

The Tree Logic Smart-Shot™ Injector System will consist of a purpose-designed injector unit with pre-measured dosage amounts to allow for easy calculation of individual tree dosage, two different length injector probes and a customised draw-off to ensure no-mess filling of the injector. This draw-off has been customised to fit the cap size of the newly registered Bayer SilvaShield® Tree Injectable container.

The Tree Logic Smart-Shot™ Injector System sets a new standard for environmentally safe chemical use for tree injection and we believe that it will be the benchmark standard for tree injection for years to come.
Initially available in a 3ml–6ml injector with a 5ml-10ml injector to be released soon. There will be two injector probe lengths and a range of replacement springs and O-rings.

Benefits:

Low cost
Refillable for use again and again
Safe filling with a purpose designed ‘draw-off’
Can be used with a range of chemicals
Robust commercial quality
Simple & easy to use

FAQ’s

Q. How does the the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector work?
The Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector allows a precise dosage to be filled in the injector and then delivered under very low pressure into the tree’s vascular system. This is done by drilling a hole through the tree’s outer bark then inserting the charged injector into the correct area and releasing the dose. Refilling is done through the Draw-Off Injector loader, which ensures safe and accurate reloading of the injector.

Q. What is the difference between the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector and other tree injection systems?

Low cost.
Low pressure (<3.5psi) as opposed to other injection systems that can cause wood tissue wounding at the injection site (eg: Sidewinder, Arborjet ‘Viper’, etc.).
No rubber or plastic plugs need to be inserted or left in the tree.
Very small injection hole (4mm).
Immediately refillable and reusable.
Spill-proof draw-off for safe, efficient loading in of the injectors.
Easy for non-arborists to use.

Q. Why are there two different length nozzles available?
The thickness of outer bark can vary between different tree species and even between different age trees of the same species. The two nozzle lengths will allow almost every species and age tree to be injected with the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector.

Q. Why are there two different sizes available?
The 3-5ml Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector was designed for use with Bayer’s Silva-Shield Tree Injectable product and the label dosage rate specifies dosages in the range of 3-5ml. The Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector is perfect for use with this product. The 6-10ml Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector was designed for other chemicals which may have slightly larger dosage volumes.

Q. How many Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injectors do I need to inject one tree?
You can complete the correct dosage injection for one tree (or many trees) using only one injector, however it will be quicker and more economic to use several injectors at the one time to perform the treatment. We recommend at least four (4) injectors on trees with trunk diameters up to 500mm and six (6) on trees with trunk diameters over 500mm. When using multiple injectors, the injectors are inserted one after the other and by the time the last injector is inserted it will be time to check the first injector to determine if the tree has taken up the dosage. Multiple injection sites should be spaced evenly around the tree to provide uniform uptake.

Q. What other tools do I need to undertake tree injection treatments?
You will need either a hand or cordless drill, several sharp high-helix 7/32” drill bits, a container to store and transport the injectors and a diameter measuring tape to calculate dosage. Personal protective equipment such as chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and long-sleeved shirts is recommended. Please refer to the particular chemical manufacturer’s instructions for other requirements.

Q. How do I load the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
Tree Logic strongly recommends the use of the purpose-designed Draw-Off Injector Loader for use with the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector.
To load the injector with the Smart-Shot draw-off simply place the injector nozzle into the top of the Draw-off and seat firmly. Pump the plunger several times to expel any trapped air and to load the injector with the chemical. Ensure that the injector is locked into the correct dosage notch prior to removal from the draw-off injector loader. The Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injectors can be used without the Draw-Off Injector Loader by placing the nozzle of the Injector into the chemical container and below the level of the liquid and drawing the chemical into injector by pulling the plunger to the required dosage and then locking the plunger into the required dosage notch.

Q. How do I clean the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
Tree Logic recommends that the Injectors be cleaned regularly by rinsing and washing the injector with clean water. Apply a smear of silicon grease/spray to the plunger seal after cleaning for best results.

Q. How long does it take to treat a tree using the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
The injection process can take between 5 – 30 minutes depending upon a range of variables, including tree species, tree age, tree health and climatic conditions (temperature, wind, etc.). Avoid injecting on cold, rainy or overcast days and early mornings as this will significantly slow the injection uptake process.

Q. Can I leave the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector in the tree overnight or while I do something else?
CAUTION; Do not leave the injector/s or tree unattended during treatment. Pesticide applications must always be monitored and attended.

Q. How difficult is it to use the Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injector?
The injectors themselves are simple and easy to use. It is the actual drilling the tree that requires some basic understanding of tree physiology to ensure correct placement and fitting. The injection hole should be drilled on a slight downward angle with a sharp high-helix drill bit (7/32”) using very light pressure through the outer and inner bark to the sapwood (moist vascular tissue). Do not drill too deep; this will slow the injection uptake process. Injection sites should be low down on the trunk and the root buttress and not above the first limb.

Q. Where are they available from?
Smart-Shot™ Refillable Tree Injectors are only available from Tree Logic Pty. Ltd. through our ONLINE SHOP or directly from the Tree Logic shop in Ringwood, Victoria.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SMART-SHOT™ INSTRUCTIONS