An irreverent look at tree protection on development sites - SOLD OUT

THIS WORKSHOP IS SOLD OUT.

To join the cancellation list, please email office@qaa.net.au

The Workshop

Since the adoption of the AS 4970-2009 Standard (Protection of Trees on Development Sites), there appears to be a lot of misunderstanding about its purpose and as a result is regularly misused as a set of specifications. In addition, it is misused to argue for or against development, or for the retention or removal of a tree. Rather than applying our knowledge of tree roots and tree physiology to make educated decisions about trees on development sites, too often expressions like “you can’t come closer than a 10% encroachment” are used by municipal and consulting arborist alike.

During this workshop attendees will gain a better comprehension of the contents of the Standard, its application and future development. This will mean they are able to confidently apply their understanding of tree anatomy and physiology to come up with solutions for developments that fit outside of the square rather than using overly prescriptive techniques and can demonstrate how trees will remain viable when there is a major encroachment.  

Session 1: Background

• • Defining our terms – What is meant by health, vigour, vitality?
  • The development of the Standard – a brief history
  • An analysis of the Standard and the Standard in review. What is good, what isn’t quite there and what is changing. Most importantly, how does this all effect what you write?

Session 2: Getting to the root of the problem – Part 1: understanding roots

• • Four or more types of roots – and how they all work
  • Sinker roots and roots under tension
  • Root investigations and rort investigation. What are they? How do we do them? Why do we do them?

Session 3: Getting to the root of the problem – Part 2: working with roots

• • How development affects the tree systems and what we can do about it
  • How to break every rule using dangerous chemicals and “Zen and the art of Arboriculture”
  • Avoiding heartwood

Session 4: Working towards success

• • How to determine if your protection and care is working
  • Testing the tree for vitality
  • Other innovations

After completing this workshop, attendees should:

• • understand the contents of the Standard, its application and future development
  • understand how the various parts of the root system function and how development impacts on these roots
  • better appreciate the strengths and weakness of root investigation
  • know how to compensate for the damage caused by development
  • be able to assess the ongoing impact of development on the trees
  • be able to address major encroachments and think outside the box

Who should attend?

Consulting arborists, council arborists and any other arborist looking at trees on development sites.

This workshop is 100% classroom-based.  

The Presenter

Mark Hartley is a second-generation Australian arborist whose career spans over four decades. Mark has received the ISA’s Award of Merit for his contribution to arboriculture and has received six awards of Excellence in Arboriculture from the TCIA for transplanting and tree pruning.

His expertise in tree risk assessment, anatomy, diseases, and transplanting have resulted in him providing arboricultural services in 10 countries over four continents. He has provided advice to householders, celebrities, and Royalty alike.

Mark has always been passionate about learning and continues to study in Australia and overseas. He was a regular at Shigo’s tree anatomy workshops, where he developed a love for tree anatomy and everyday tree physiology. His curiosity, systems thinking, and problem-solving nature has assisted him in developing innovative solutions for tree transplanting and stem wound treatment.

Having served as the Education Chair of Arboriculture Australia for more than a decade, Mark is dedicated to improving education in arboriculture. He regularly spends time delivering workshops and training globally. Closer to home Mark still owns and operates an arboricultural firm specialising in transplants, consultations, and reports