Fri 23 March 2012, Melbourne

What is Tree Biomechanics? And why should I care?

Tree Biomechanics is the mechanical study of trees. Trees are structures and must obey physical laws just like buildings and bridges. A basic understanding of how physical laws apply to trees and arboricultural practice is critical to improving one’s arboricultural knowledge.

This one-day workshop will review basic physical principles like force, movement, stress, and strain, to see how they apply to cabling, climbing, pruning, rigging, and tree risk assessment.

Dr. Kane has conducted research projects in all of these areas and will present his data to highlight practical considerations for working arborists.

testimonial…

…we had the pleasure of hosting Prof Brian Kane in Singapore in 2011. He spoke at our annual Arboriculture Seminar and also conducted a one-day standalone seminar… What is Tree Biomechanics?.. His workshop was very well received, with lots of practitioners giving a thumbs up …for making a not so easy topic easily understood. He is a fantastic speaker…

Kay, Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecologogy, Singapore

Fri 23 March 2011
Jika International
551 Heidelberg Rd
Fairfield Victoria

To celebrate the United Nations International Year of the Forest, The City of Melbourne invites you to put your creativity to the test and make a powerful visual statement about why trees and green infrastructure is important to you.

With cash prizes of up to $5,000, artists, designers, students and all members of the community can enter. So put pen to paper or graphics to computer and show us what our Urban Forest means to you. Winners and shortlisted entries will be displayed at various high profile public locations across the City for the months of November and December. Competition closes 5pm on 14 October 2011.

Categories

Open (over 18 years old)
Secondary school students (13 years  to 18 years old)
Primary school students ( 5 years  to 12 years old )
Under 5s

Prizes

Winner Open: $5,000
Winner Secondary: $1,000 for your school for sustainability purposes
Winner Primary: $1,000 for your school for sustainability purposes
Winner Under 5’s: $1,000 for your child care centre /kindergarten for sustainability purposes

Visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/urbanforest to download entry forms and competition requirements.

Tree Logic headed to Sydney for the recent ISA conference where we ‘officially’ launched the new treelogictools.com.au website. It was a great event to be involved in, buyers were particularly interested in our extensive book range and we made many positive connections with new suppliers who are interested in selling their product in our online shop. So keep an eye online, the shop is sure to expand over the next few months.

In the meantime here are some pics of the display.

Earlier in the year Tree Logic provided the arborist report to the Melbourne City Council in relation to issues around developing an exceptional tree register.  The report focused on issues surrounding the preservation of large trees in dense areas, regulations and problems associated with enforcement of such laws. This week the Melbourne Age ran a story about this council research that aims to identify trees on private land that are unique, old, rare or otherwise noteworthy.

WHEN Melbourne City Council’s Cathy Oke suggested the council develop a register of ”exceptional” trees on private land to prevent them from being chopped down, the last place she expected to find one was in the backyard of her childhood home.
But when council arborists presented her with photos of trees in North Melbourne – part of early research into the idea – Ms Oke discovered she was looking at a lemon-scented gum in the garden of the house where her parents still live on the aptly named Wood Street.
”I thought, ‘I know that back garden’!” the Greens councillor said.
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”It just shows how varied the definition of ‘exceptional’ might be. These might be included because of their height, or because they’re in a suburb where there aren’t many pockets of large trees on private land.”

Read the entire article online…

Whilst many metropolitan councils have varying approaches retaining significant trees on private land, it is clear that a one size fits all approach to tree regulations does not apply.  The report cites…

“In Canada and the United States, public enlightenment and negotiation with developers are considered by many to be the most effective tools for preserving existing trees. (Profous & Loeb, 1990).
Schmied and Pillmann (2003) found that a regulation (law) “concerning tree protection seems to make sense, if it can be implemented in a non-bureaucratic, professional and efficient way, respecting the protection and conservation of nature. It should be structured simply and equitably, and its administration and implementation should be simple and efficient.”
There has to be a clear outline of the goals that want to be achieved by tree controls. The fostering of community support is absolutely critical to ensure the tree protection controls effectiveness. The community needs to be involved in the tree protection process; the success of the controls relies on the community’s support.”

Tree Logic supports any initiative to protect exceptional trees on private and public land and concede that education around environmental and social benefits is the right way forward.

Planting trends in our streets and parks

by John Fitzgibbon (Metropolitan Tree Growers) and Peter May (May Horticulture Services)

Typical poor structural conformation of a seed grown Eucalyptus leucoxylon.

Most of the native trees being sold into the urban landscape market in Australia are still seedling grown.  This means that plant-to-plant genetic variation is part of the deal.  While genetic variability is important in some applications, there is a strong argument that some aspects of urban tree planning would be enhanced by having access to clonally propagated stock, allowing selection of desirable characteristics.  Over the past few decades, some selection of clonal material has occurred, especially in species that are readily propagated by cuttings (e.g. Callistemon).

In the past few years we have seen an increase in the availability of clonally propagated native trees, especially trees that have been grafted.  The most obvious of these has been the range of cultivars of Corymbia ficifolia and C. ficfolia X C. ptychocarpa hybrids that have appeared.

There seems to be two basic approaches to development of cultivars of some of these species.  One of these is to identify trees that have particularly outstanding attributes that warrant their selection and propagation.  This is typical of much cultivar selection in Australia until fairly recently.

The other approach is to evaluate potential cultivars for more functional criteria.  While these cultivars may not necessarily be particularly showy, they may meet the needs of the arborist or street tree manager by meeting their requirements for more consistent performance or reduced tendency to structural faults.  An analogous situation exists with the development of cultivars of Pyrus calleryana where over a period of time a number of cultivars with useful functional attributes (e.g. Aristocrat and Chanticleer with better branch attachment than older cultivars or with the columnar habit of Capital).

A search of nursery catalogs shows that grafted cultivars of Corymbia ficifolia Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus cladocalyx and Eucalyptus leucoxylon are available in the market place.  These cultivars are generally showing predictable flower colour, flowering at a younger age, dwarf stature or coloured foliage or some combination of these attributes.

Nurseries have been experimenting with, and using, grafting as a propagation method for several decades and a few cultivars like the variegated form of Lophostemon confertus have been in the market place for many years.  What the increased apparent success with grafting means is that clonal selection is going to be aided by having access to a method that allows material to be collected from adult trees and put into cultivation for evaluation.  While preferable protocols such as the use of cuttings or micropropagation may not yet exist for these plants, having cultivars in use and being trialled will build a base that will encourage further exploration of possible alternatives.

Metropolitan Tree Growers have started to investigate the potential for clonal selection in Eucalyptus leucoxylon.   Several people, notably Dr David Beardsell, have selected desirable forms of this species and these are now available from propagators.  In Melbourne Humphris Nursery have been instrumental in this.  Dr. Beardsell’s selection “Horsham” is a case in point.  In addition to those selections, Metro Trees have made a number of selections from street and reserve plantings where individual trees showing exemplary form or character have been identified.  Humphris Nurseries have started grafting these selections.  One of these, a form of E. leucoxylon var. leucoxylon has been successfully grafted and nursery experience of it should be gained over the coming summer.  A number of other selections have been made this year and these will be grafted over the coming summer.  These trees are expected to have more predictable branching patterns and be better suited to urban use than are many current seedling lines, for example the poor form shown in Figure 1.  At this point it is not known how many of these selections will find permanent places in urban landscapes as this process is still in its infancy.

Metro Trees have also begun collecting selected forms of Geijera parvifolia and Lophostemon confertus for inclusion in our grafting program.  Other commercial lines being grafted in other nurseries at present include selections of various Brachychiton species and hybrids, taller Grevillea selections and arid zone Hakea species.

In the meantime, how should you as arborists approach these “new” plants being put out into the market place?  One of the concerns is over the life span of the graft unions of these trees.  The evidence available to us suggests that this should not be a major concern to users as grafted native trees of various species have been used in landscapes for several decades now without significant problems.  As the range of plants being grafted continues to increase however, this is an aspect of performance that must be continually reviewed.  Another issue is going to be that of keeping track of new cultivars as they are released.  The number of C. ficifolia cultivars is growing daily it seems and not all of them will find long-term roles.  This is almost certainly going to be true of other species as well.  What is clear though is that this is an opportunity to improve the quality of some of our most important trees and the real benefits of these improved selections will only become apparent once they are being used and evaluated in the real world of the street and park.

Arbor Day Planting Competition

On Wednesday 14 July, the Tree Logic physical services staff had a planting day at Plenty Parklands Primary School after they were successful winners of the Arbor Day Competition ‘Trees for Kids’. Tree Logic spent the morning planting one very large Illawarra Flame Tree and 5 yellow gums alongside existing native trees with an objective to encourage native birdlife and insects.

Together with parent volunteer Rosa Harrison and Principal Claire McInerney we decided to continue the perimeter planting of yellow gums (Eucalpytus leucoxylons), two at the front entrance to the school and three on a corner planting.  The Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) was planted as a feature tree in front of a playground.  In time this tree, along with the shade sails, will provide plenty of shade in the summer months for the kids.

All in all the Arbor Day Planting was a pleasant experience by those doing the planting and very much appreciated by students and staff at Plenty Parklands Primary School. This special event was also captured by the local newspaper- the Whittlesea Leader.

Turning the world of trees upside down….I’m not sure this would appeal to a tree’s tropisms (growth in response to external stimuli), but its all in the name of art

Six inverted sugar maples hang 30 feet off the ground at Mass MoCA in North Adams, Mass. Tree Logic is an artwork by Natalie Jeremijenko tracking the changes in these trees over time. Photo courtesy of Gwen Steege

…check out the full story at csmonitor.com

Are you carrying and using a Prohibited Weapon?

Under Victorian legislation, the Control of Weapons Regulations 2000 (17 December 2000), any ‘daylight’ lasers stronger than 1mW became a ‘Prohibited Weapon.   The Schedule 2 to these regulations defines what is a prohibited weapon and states “Regulation 6 – 33.    A hand-held battery-operated article commonly known as a “laser pointer” designed or adapted to emit a laser beam with an accessible emission limit of greater than 1 mW.”
The Control of Weapons Act 1990 (1 January 2010) Section 5 – Prohibited weapons states that
“(1) A person must not—
(a) bring into Victoria; or  (b) cause to be brought into or sent into Victoria; or(c) manufacture, sell or purchase; or (d) display or advertise for sale; or (e) possess, use or carry—a prohibited weapon without an exemption under section 8B or an approval under section 8C.”  The penalty for this offense is 240 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.
That’s the bad news!!  The good news is that you can apply for a permit to continue your ‘lawful’ use of these Lasers by applying for a permit the same as you would for a firearm.  You can apply for a permit to use a ‘daylight’ laser from Victoria Police and the forms are available online from the Victoria Police web site.
This will cost you approximately $150 if you do not already hold a Firearms License.   If you have any issue with accessing or the content of these applications, please email licensingservices@police.vic.gov.au.
The act is available at the Victorian Law Library and search on ‘Control of Weapons Regulations 2000’.
If you have one of these Daylight green or red lasers and you don’t have a permit, you can:

• Continue to use it without a permit and face a hefty fine or 2 years in jail;
• Not use it anymore (but don’t sell it or give it away)
• Apply for a permit through Victoria Police.

Click to download factsheet-Daylight Lasers

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

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 fulfills all requirements while being a high enough quality to stand the rigors 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