A recent letter from Peter has been answered by Stephen Frank at Tree Logic and so we include here as advise to those with similar problems.

Hi
My name is Peter I have a problem with my maple tree in the back yard.
Can you help me with a grub that seems to be eating the crotches and trunk of this Acer rubrums.
It is a young tree.
If I send some photos can you please give me a consultation? Possibly a way to save the tree from getting worse as we love the tree I am happy to pay you for your time
Regards
Peter

Hello Peter,
Indeed your Red Maple has a problem, and to be honest one that can not be solved by any arboricultural treatment I am aware of.
Judging from the photo accompanying your email, the pest has been present for some time and extent of damage is too much. It would appear that ~50% of the circumference of the stem has been affected.
Control of borer in trees is very difficult.  Most borers attack trees weakened by drought, mechanical injury, recent transplants, poor soils or root systems. The most important prevention of borers is keeping trees healthy through proper management (primarily watering, which again can be difficult under current drought conditions).  The most common way to control borers, in addition to proper tree maintenance, is chemical control.  However, borers live inside trees, and treating them with insecticides is difficult if not impossible, and it comes down to timing of treatment.  The best time to control borers is when adult are laying eggs on or under bark, which is difficult to monitor in a domestic situation.  Pheromone traps, available for some borer species, help determine if adults are present. Trunk sprays can be effective when borers are in the early larvae stage before they enter the tree.  I reiterate that the extent of damage with your tree suggests that the tree is past chemical treatment.  I have heard people using a fine wire to poke into the tunnels created by the borers in the hope of skewing one.
I would suggest you remove the tree (as distasteful as it sounds) and replace it with a new one.  Properly plant species that are well adapted to your location and provide them with proper care.  Avoid pruning from spring through summer when adults are active. Protect trees from injury. Remove and dispose of dying limbs and dead trees. Do not pile fresh-cut wood near trees.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Stephen Frank

Seminar
March 2009
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne
Dates and venues to be confirmed

Tree Logic’s next seminar will be looking at the necessity to re-introduce nature into our urban lives. The seminar will aim to provide a holistic perspective looking at
sociological, psychological and economic perspectives of our urban forests.
Topics will also cover issues regarding the development and implementation of urban forest management.
Speakers
Kathleen Wolf is a research faculty member of the Centre for Urban Horticulture at the University of
Washington.
Kathleen investigates perceptions and experiences related to landscapes and the influence natural environments have on peoples’ behaviours, attitudes and values. Having worked as an urban horticulturist and a landscape architect, she has been able to combine her past experience in her present work having special interest in the relationships between ecology and business districts. Her research of the human dimensions of open space, urban forestry and natural systems include:

1. Public preferences and perceptions regarding urban public landscapes
2. Costs, benefits and perceptions of urban forestry in retail and commercial districts
3. Integration of urban nature and transportation systems
4. Developmental benefits associated with youth participation in urban greening work
5. Effective integration of science and policy through technology transfer

Thomas B. Randrup, Landscape Architect (1990), PhD
(1996).
2003 - present. Professor in Park Management and Urban Greening at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (since 2007, University of Copenhagen). 1996 - present. Researcher, senior consultant and senior
researcher at the Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute.
Since 1996 Thomas B. Randrup has researched and developed projects in relation to planning and management of urban green spaces, with special emphasis on urban trees. His research is currently primarily focused on strategic management (planning and maintenance) of urban green spaces which involves the development of policies, organisation and planning methods, as well as maintenance strategies in relation to green spaces.
Thomas B. Randrup is author/ co-author on more than 250 publications and he has held more than 130 presentations both nationally and internationally.

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Recently published research in the application of carbohydrates (sucrose) in root drenches has shown considerable promise in improving general plant health whilst limiting the effects of environmental stresses and even herbicide damage. Peer reviewed and published research on field trials conducted on containerised plants, young transplanted and established mature trees demonstrated that carbohydrate treatments applied at specific rates resulted in a decrease in time taken for the initiation of new roots, an increase in the number of roots initiated and improved root elongation rates.
More traditional forms of soil improvement treatments generally contain macro and micronutrients and encourage beneficial microbial activity which in turn helps release nutrients in the soil for plant uptake. These assimilates are then transported to the crown of the plant and used in the photosynthetic process to generate carbohydrates required for root growth. By providing sucrose at specific rates in and around the root zone of the plant, the carbohydrates required for root growth are immediately available thus limiting the plants reliance on the crown to provide these assimilates. This can be particularly useful in circumstances where the plants crown may have decreased foliage levels, small and/or chlorotic leaves and which may not have the capacity to produce sufficient carbohydrates for root growth.
Carbohydrates are also known to stimulate beneficial soil microbial and fungal rhizosphere that assist in plant nutrient uptake. In addition, the use of surfactants in carbohydrate drenches can improve irrigation performance and reduce water requirements. Surfactants aid in the wetting and movement of water in media and landscape soils. These are biodegradable detergent-like products that work by lowering the surface tension of water so that wetting is uniform and effective. If media wetting is not uniform, irrigation water tends to move through the larger pores in the media where it is subject to downward gravitational forces. This in turn leads to increase leaching and reduced irrigation efficiency. By improving penetration, wetting, and water movement, media surfactants can increase the effective wetting area thereby increasing irrigation efficiency.
Carbohydrate and surfactant drenches are applied through soil injection techniques that deliver the material at a depth of approximately 150 - 200mm. This is done to reduce the loss of material through natural evaporation and to better target the root system of the subject plant. Treatments shallower than this could result in other plants (particularly turf) drawing up the sucrose before the target plant has a chance to absorb it.
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Blue-green, hairy foliage is an unusual characteristic that provides contrast to adjacent green vegetation. The fibrous or fissured bark is also distinct from many wattles. Masses of bright yellow flower spikes are a feature in spring.
This species is adapted to dry sites and has a high drought tolerance.
Useful small to medium tree in urban landscapes.

Origin Common on the coast, central tablelands and central western slopes of N.S.W. and Eastern Victoria near the Snowy River (Upper). Scattered, mostly on rocky slopes near rivers or creek gullies.
Habit:
Long-lived, large shrub to small erect or spreading tree, with a broad domed canopy. In its natural environment, height varies from 2-16m. In cultivation, mature height could be expected to reach approximately 5-8m high x 5-8m wide.
Description:
Slightly corrugated to fissured bark, fibrous-flaky, grey or dark brown. Branchlets flattened and hairy. Blue-grey phyllodes, narrowly elliptical to falcate, 6-15cm x 5-25mm, covered in fine hairs and silvery hue. 1-5 inflorescences in axil of phyllodes, spike heads cylindrical, 2-6 cm long, pale to bright golden yellow in spring. Pods straight to slightly curved, flat but slightly raised over seeds, straight-sided to slightly, or occasionally more deeply, constricted between seeds, 2-8.5 cm long, 2.5-5 mm wide.
Tolerances:
Adaptable species, tolerant of alkaline soils and has a high drought tolerance. Root space: Based on mature size tree would require approximately 50m2 area or 30m3 root volume (crown projection method).
Availability:
Common in N.S.W nurseries. Occasional in other States
Uses & management:
Can be used as an alternative to Cootamundra Wattle, which can become weedy. Silvery foliage provides excellent contrast. It is an adaptable species growing in a range of situations in its natural habitat, from coastal areas to dry open forests. Could be used as small dominant tree or as an understorey planting. Is reported to be toxic to stock.

Ref:
Costermans, L. 2003, Native trees and shrubs of South-eastern Australia, Reed New Holland, Australia
Costermans, L. 2006, Supplement to native trees and shrubs of South-eastern Australia: changes and additional species,
Costermans Publishing, Australia
Kodela, P.G. 2005,
Acacia binervia
(J.C.Wendl.) J.F.Macbr., New South Wales Flora Online,
Maslin B. R. (Coordinator) 2001, WATTLE Acacias of Australia. CSIRO Publishing

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Tree Logic is seeking the services of an experienced, qualified and enthusiastic Arborist /Horticulturist to lead a team in the Western Suburbs.
This crew would be responsible for Tree Planting, Transplanting, Plant Healthcare and establishment maintenance. Current drivers licence (Truck endorsement) preferred.
Please send application including resume by fax: (03) 9870 8177 or submit the form below:

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Planting trees is an excellent way to provide a screen that will modify or hide the view of adjacent buildings, walls, driveways, parking areas, overhead utilities/fixtures or other unsightly areas. Living screens are also becoming more important since house sizes get larger and taller and house blocks becoming smaller.
Using trees as living screens can easily enhance living and working open spaces. They tend to be more visually appealing and enhance environmental conditions. Screening can be used to define an area, modify views, create privacy, block wind, filter light, and direct traffic flow. A living screen can also be used to separate or define areas with different uses.
Trees planted in the long, narrow corridors between buildings, can break up or reduce wind tunnelling. Buildings with screen trees planted on the prevailing wind side can benefit from energy savings.
Before selecting trees for screening, first determine the screen’s purpose, whether functional or environmental.
Choosing a Suitable Screen
Before selecting any tree, consider characteristics that may change as the tree grows. A little research can prevent the cost and trouble of removing a tree that has become unsuitable for the place where it was planted. A tree’s special characteristics and tolerance of harsh growing conditions determine its suitability for a particular situation.
You need to establish;

How high and dense you need the screen to be and how quickly you need it to do the job.

What are the growing conditions like and how adjacent are buildings and other hard surfaces?
The width of the screen may also be an issue, particularly if planted between houses, or adjacent to fences and pathways. Plants that develop broader canopies may require more, on-going pruning maintenance. Healthy plants need a substantial root system to grow. Provide appropriate below ground space to sustain trees and enable them to meet aesthetic and design expectations. A wider planter space will also allow greater choice of species. If the space is too narrow, climbers or non-living screens may be more suitable than trees.
Give careful consideration to the following factors before selecting a screening tree.

Size at maturity
Determine mature tree characteristics and decide whether these characteristics will be suitable for the planting site when the tree reaches its ultimate height and spread. Select trees that will not grow too big to cause damage to surrounding structures like fences, buildings and driveways. In narrow areas or in beds between buildings and streets, a tree with a small canopy and limited root spread is preferable.
Canopy form and texture
Choose trees with columnar or fastigiate forms (Upright branching, narrow) for restricted/narrow areas, row plantings, or against tall buildings. When planted in rows, trees with a narrow, columnar canopy effectively block an unsightly view, define areas, and act as a barrier. They can be planted close to fences and buildings without hanging over into other areas and can give a building a formal or classical appearance.
Trees with round or pyramidal canopies are effective for areas that have increased root area and adequate overhead canopy area.
Multi-branched trees with large leaves or mass production of small leaves are suitable trees for screens. Species should also be tolerant of pruning. Pruning may be used to increase the density of many screening plants, and is recommended in the management of screens, particularly fast growing species.
Deciduous vs. evergreen screening
For seasonal screening, select deciduous trees. Deciduous trees will provide shade during the summer, but will allow more light in during the winter.
Evergreen trees provide more permanent screening, however, consider how dark an area is during the winter months if you use a dense evergreen screen.
Suitable species
Many species of trees, shrubs and climbers make excellent screens. Usually mass plantings of the same species are used, although screens may use a mix of different plants.
Conifers
Callitris rhomboidea (Port jackson Pine, Oyster Bay Pine) Australian native conifer. Narrow large shrub to small tree to 6m tall. Good drought tolerance.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s Cypress varieties) Conical to columnar tree. Height will vary dependent on variety.
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’ (Golden Hinoke Cypress). Conical small tree, 3-6m.
Cupressus glabra ‘Hodginsii’ (Blue Arizona Cypress). Compact, columnar tree to 10m.
Cupressus sempervirens ‘Totem’ (Italian Cypress var.). Upright columnar tree 10-15m.
Cupressus torulosa (Bhutan Cypress). Medium to large tree with pyramidal to conical form.
Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’ (Chinese Juniper var.). Tall, narrowly conical tree to 6m.
Thuja orientalis (Bookleaf Cypress varieties). Conical to ovoid small trees and shrubs. Height will vary dependent on variety.
Thuja plicata ‘Fastigiata’ (Western Red Cedar). Tall columnar to conical tree 15-20m.
Australian native trees
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
Callistemon viminalis ‘Hannah Ray’ (Weeping Bottlebrush var.). Small tree, large shrub 3-4m tall with pendulous branches.
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
Exotic broadleaf
Acer campestre (Hedge Maple) Deciduous medium tree 8-10m. Use varieties ‘Queen Elizabeth’ or ‘Elsrijk’
Camellia sasanqua (Sasanqua Camellia). Recommend varieties; ‘Edna Butler’, ‘Hiryu’, ‘Jennifer Susan’, ‘Plantation Pink’, and ‘Snowcloud’.
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Elegantissima’ (Thornless Honeylocust var.) 3-4m
Photinia x fraseri (Fraser Photinia). Large shrub to small tree with burgundy-red new foliage which contrasts nicely against the dark green mature foliage, 4-5m.
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Screen Master’ Fast growing plant, 4-5m
Prunus cerasifera ‘Oakville Crimson Spire’ ?Upright form of purple leaved flowering plum. Up to 6m.
Pyrus calleryana ‘Capital’ (Callery Pear var.) Deciduous, columnar tree to 12m.
Bamboos (Clumping varieties)
Bambusa textilis (Slender Weaver) - 10m
Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’ - 6m
Bambusa eutuldoides var. viridi vittata (China Gold) - 6m
Bambusa multiplex var. ‘Alphonse Karr’ (Alphonse Karr) - 4m
References
Bulleen Art and Garden 2008, Bulleen Art and Garden, Bulleen, Victoria, viewed 6th May 2008.
Spencer, R. (1995) Horticultural flora of south-eastern Australia, Volume 1, Fern, Conifers and their Allies. University of New South Wales Press.
Virginia Cooperative Extension. 2008, Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -Screening, viewed 6th May 2008.

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Lustrous, dark green foliage, with pendulous branchlets against the dark bark make for an attractive tree. The crown is typically quite dense.

Although tolerant of extended dry periods, it prefers moist soils to develop best specimens.
Good tree for urban landscapes. Useful species for screens and informal hedges.
Flower and fruit are bird and insect attracting.

Widespread in riverine rainforest, often lining stream banks; north from the Hunter Valley extending into Queensland.

Medium evergreen tree with a narrow domed form while young developing to a broad domed crown. A mature height of about 10-20 m x 7-15 m wide. Weeping Lilly Pilly can grow to 30 metres in height in its natural habitat although it is usually much smaller in cultivation.

Leaves lance-shaped to elliptical which taper to a point. Lustrous, dark green, lighter green below, undulate margins. Develops a relatively dense canopy at maturity. White flowers on many-flowered panicles, appear from late spring to mid summer and are followed by round fruits 15 -20 mm in diameter and green in colour, maturing with a pink to red tinge. Finely fissured, dark grey bark.

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, prefers acid soils. Once established it will tolerate extended dry conditions but is at its best when assured water is available. Will tolerate waterlogged conditions. Position away from windy sites. It will grow well in light shade. Moderate to low tolerance for root disturbance/construction impacts. Transplants easily. Prone to scale infestations.

Based on 75% of mature size (in urban landscapes) tree would require approximately 113m2 area or 67m3 root volume (crown projection method).

A widely cultivated tree, well suited to urban landscapes. Good street and open space tree. Prune to central trunk otherwise little pruning is required. Good screen plant but will require pruning/hedging at least twice a year. Fruit litter is not as problematic as other Lilly Pillys.
Variety known as ‘Sweeper’ has more pronounced weeping habit with lush green new growth with more pronounced undulation to margin.

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Featured Tree© Tree Logic Pty Ltd 2008
Ref:
Australian Society for Growing Australian Plants (2008) as seen here
National Herbarium of New South Wales (2008) as seen here

This list is available for direct download as pdf documents from original speaker Powerpoint presentations.

1. Introduction to Sustainable Systems
2. Kim Sorvig Sustainability, Complexity, & Beauty
3. Dr Jason Grabosky Root Pavement
4. Peter May Soil Tree Perform
5. Dr Peter Breen WSUD Street Trees
6. Lyndal Plant Brisbane Sustain Urban Tree
7. Dr Jason Grabosky Struture Soil Deep Root
8. David Balsamo Efficient Water Trees
9. Kim Sorvig Permenant Pavement
10. Dr Jason Grabosky Design Parking Lots

An excellent, medium sized deciduous tree. Very useful urban tree where an adaptable but ornamentally attractive tree is required. Tolerates enclosed, confined root spaces. Bark is thin and can be easily damaged by mechanical injury. Transplants easily with moderate to fast growth rate.

Cultivar. Dark glossy leaves, drought resistance, orange to red fall colour and a smaller ultimate size are inherited from Shantung Maple (Acer truncatum). The Norway parent (Acer platanoides) contributes faster growth, calliper development at an early age, larger leaves and adaptability to varied growing conditions.

Medium deciduous tree with a narrow upright form while young developing to a broad domed crown. Its fine textured branch structure evolves to a rounded crown and a mature height of about 10-12 m x 7-10 m wide.

Leaves palmate, glossy, dark green turning yellow to scarlet in autumn. Thick bark, grey-black, becoming lightly ridged and furrowed with age. Flowers are green, inconspicuous, borne in panicles.

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including both slightly alkaline and acid soils. Tolerant of drought and air pollution. Grows well in limited soil space in urban areas. Transplants easily, and is generally free of any serious pests or diseases.

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Fertilising trees refers to the practice of adding supplemental nutrients (chemical elements) required for normal growth and development.
You can’t ” feed” a tree, since trees produce their own sugar via photosynthesis, for which they use nutrients as part of the process.
A reasonably fertile soil will have enough nutrients to satisfy the requirements of growth on most established trees. Trees adjust their growth and development rates to the level of nutrients present in the soil, and will usually grow vigourously as long as the roots can continue to grow.
In nature, trees get nutrients from air, recycled organic matter, beneficial microbes, and soil minerals. In urban settings, the recycling of organic matter is often reduced, beneficial microbes may be minimal, and some minerals can be unavailable be- cause of the soil pH.
Lack of water and organic matter, and soil compaction often limit growth of urban trees much more than nutrient levels.
Infertile soils are most common in new building areas, both commercial and residential, where the ‘natural’ soil has been altered. Altered soils display poor physical and chemical properties for tree and shrub growth. Soil modifications, where required, along with proper fertilisation may improve nutrient uptake of plants.
Fertilising a tree can improve growth; however, if fertiliser is not applied wisely, it may adversely affect the tree. Mature trees making satisfactory growth may not require fertilisation.
Adding fertiliser, especially nitrogen, around stressed or root damaged trees can be harmful unless you have determined that the stress is due to nutrient deficiency.
Harm can occur when a tree in decline with low energy reserves attempts to incorporate nitrogen into cell components.
Since this process requires energy expenditure, reserves can be lowered further. This could lead to a further decline in health as trees with low energy reserves have reduced ability to deal with the effects of injury and pests.

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