Course Content:
- Introduction
- The legal framework
- The tree:
- As a dynamic living system
- An undamaged, self-optimized structure
- The law of the minimal lever arm and strategy of flexibility
- Visual Tree Assessment (VTA)
- Principle fungal decay organisms
- Mechanical symptoms of defects
- Tree inspection equipment
- Making and writing management recommendations
- Practical exercises
- Workshop sessions
- Hazard evaluation
- VTA tree walk
- Introduction to decay detection and measuring equipment
- Assessment
- Final round up
Facilities/Equipment required - Trainees:
- Trainees should bring with them outdoor clothing, including a ‘Hi-viz’ jacket or waistcoat, as there will be a number of practical tree inspection exercises over the three days.
- They should also bring any other equipment that they would normally use during tree inspection / survey, e.g: Clipboard, Pro-forma record sheets, Binoculars, Mallet and probe, Diameter tape, Height measuring device (Hypsometer, clinometer, etc).
Trainees are expected to bring the following ‘key books’ to the course:
- Lonsdale, D. (1999). Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management, Research for Amenity Trees No, 7, Stationery Office, London.
- Mattheck, C. & Breloer, H. (1994). The Body Language of Trees, Research for Amenity Trees No, 4, Stationery Office, London.
- Strouts, R.G. & Winter, T.G. (1994). Diagnosis of Ill Health in Trees, Research for Amenity Trees No, 2, Stationery Office, London.
- Davis, C., Fay, N & Mynors, C. (2000). Veteran Trees: a guide to risk and responsibility. English Nature, Peterborough.
- Shigo, A.L. (1991). Modern Arboriculture. Shigo & Tree Associates, Durham, NH, USA.
- Weber, K., & Mattheck, C. (2003). Manual of Wood Decay in Trees, The Arboricultural Association.
- BS 3998:2010 Tree work - Recommendations. British Standards Institute, London.
- Tree identification book(s)
- Fungi identification book(s)
Publications included in package:
- Lantra Awards workbook for Professional Tree Inspection
- Arboricultural Association publication: ‘Tree surveys: a guide to good practice’
- Assessment forms and examination papers
- Site specific risk assessment form
- Certificate claim forms
- Course evaluation forms
The course will include some outdoor practical sessions (please bring suitable clothing for indoor and outdoor sessions). Refreshments and lunch are provided.
A minimum of arboricultural qualification at level three or equivalent, plus five years experience in carrying out tree survey and inspection, is expected.