Course Detail

26/09/2017

Stirling, Scotland

TR:HTI-170926/27-SCO

Chris Simpson

12 hours

Course Objectives:

This relaxed informal course is aimed at ensuring you are aware of current accepted industry approaches; re-capping the significance of defect features and wood decay fungi. We will work towards collecting appropriate defensible feedback and submitting it as a “Google Map”.

Course Objectives:

• Review current tree inspection methodologies
• Overview of tree survey equipment
• Ensure an understanding of the relevance of the tree’s structural features
• Review common decay fungi and their significance in decision making
• Update recent reclassifications of some wood decay fungi
• Practise information collection and presentation
• Ensure management recommendations are appropriate and clear
• How to receive instructions and ensure the service provided is appropriate
• Clarify appropriate management report structure
• Learn how to use “Google Maps” to produce interactive plans/reports

• A certificate of attendance will be issued on completion of the course which is eligible for 12hrs CPD. Presentations/course notes will be made available for download
• Attendees should bring along any survey equipment they have and suitable outdoor clothing. Lunch is included in the course rate

Course pre-requisites
A working knowledge of arboriculture. This two day bespoke course is a NEW course being trialled by Scottish Branch with sponsorship from Informed Tree Services Ltd allowing us to offer the course at a very much reduced rate.

Please be aware you will need to book your own accommodation for the evening if you are doing the 2 day course, you can find nearby hotels here

Course Content:

A two day bespoke course aimed at those actively involved in hazard tree inspections or those looking to progress a career in arboricultural consultancy.

Day 1

• Methodology – VTA? NTSG? ISA?
  The array of approaches and stages will be discussed and clarified.
• Equipment – What do you really need and what should you ensure you have access to?
• Practical approach – Suggested inspection techniques that will be quick but thorough
• Recording your findings – Ways to record findings and tree schedule templates.
• Structural defects – An overview of features that mean failures might be “foreseeable”. To include: asymmetry, leans, cavities, deadwood,hangers, bulges, ribs, compression unions, etc.
• Wood decay fungi – A recap of the around 10 common wood decay fungi and their significancefor tree stability. Including: K. deusta, M. giganteus, F. betulina, F. fomentarius, C. squamosus, Ganoderma species, I. hispidus, H. annosum, L. sulphureus, Armillaria species.
• Lesser known fungi – A look at less well known fungi and why they are important to the inspector. To include: P. ostreatus, F. velutipes, Stereum species, D. concentrica, H. fragiforme. etc.
• Lunch
• Practical – Work in small groups to inspect trees and provide management prescriptions.
• Practical feedback – Discuss findings and how to provide clear advice.
• Making recommendations – With reference to BS 3998, how to give clear concise management advice.
• Q&A session
• Close

Day 2

• Starting out with a tree report – Accepting instructions, what to record, how to feedback etc.
• Report structure – What to include and why.
• Risk rating – Overview of risk rating schemes and the pros versus cons of risk rating.
• Tree schedules – Creating tree schedules that meet your client’s instructions.
• Practical – Inspection of a number of mature trees.
• Lunch
• Practical feedback – Discussion of findings and remedial measures recommended.
• Creating a Google Map/Report –A practical exercise where we use the information collected in the morning to create an online Google Map of the trees.
• Q&A session
• Close

What to bring with you:

• Outdoor clothing and tree survey equipment (if you have any – spare equipment will be supplied).

What you will receive:

• Certificate of attendance.

Materials provided:

• Course hand outs (online)
• Notepad
• Pen
• Spare inspection equipment
• Reference books

Module Pre-requisites:

N/A