>

Course Detail

 

Interested in bespoke training courses?

Contact training@trees.org.uk

Share this course

Tree architecture and morphophysiology symposium

07/04/2025

The Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London


Kew-Morpho-Symp



12 hours


Fully Booked


 


Exc. VAT Inc. VAT

Course Objectives:

Tree architecture and morphophysiology introduce an arboricultural language which enables users to communicate in a clearer way, with more predictable outcomes, that is designed to help promote the condition and prolong the lifespan of a tree. Using this language and its models, arborists and those specifying pruning operations can understand each other’s objectives, resulting in better tree work.

  • Setting the scene, principles and opportunities
  • Application – what does this mean for UK arboriculture?

We’re pleased to provide an opportunity to delve into this refreshing view of tree growth, response and behaviour, above and below ground, with implications for managing trees at all stages of life:

  • Tree nursery production and establishment
  • Formative pruning
  • Maintenance pruning
  • Mature and veteran tree management

We will be welcomed by Kevin Martin, Head of Tree Collections at Kew, UK

Tom Joye, Belgium

Francis Hallé, France

Jeanne Millet, Canada

Giovanni Morelli and Stefania Gasperini, Italy

Tristan Charles-Dominique, France

Andy Hirons, Myerscough College, UK

Cecily Withall, climbing arborist, Kew, UK

Keith Sacre, Barchams, UK

Course Content:

Tree architecture was first described in the 1960s following research on trees and plants across the globe by Francis Hallé and colleagues, and has become established and well-respected in the French-speaking world, but less known in the UK. We are thrilled to welcome Francis and other experts in this field to explain how this approach to understanding tree growth can inform tree management.

Tree morphophysiology has evolved from tree architecture and can be defined as ‘the study of tree shape and structure in relation to function to achieve the goal of sustaining life’.

Monday 7th April:

The Jodrell Laboratory, Kew

Setting the scene, principles and opportunities

08.30

Arrival, registration, coffee

 

09.00

Welcome, introductions

Simon Richmond

09.10

Kew welcome

Kevin Martin

09.20

The disparate parts…

Tom Joye

10.15

Tree architecture – a personal overview

Francis Hallé

10.45

Coffee

 

11.15

Tree architecture for a change of vision of urban trees

Jeanne Millet

12.15

Morphophysiology - introduction

Giovanni Morelli + Stefania Gasperini

13.15

Lunch

 

14.15

Outside walk to observe examples of architectural models / tree drawing /morphophysiological phases

Jeanne/ Tom/ Francis/ Giovanni + Stefania /

15.30

Tea

 

16.00

Ageing and getting old are very different things for trees!

Tristan Charles-Dominique

16.30

Study tour, Ferrara – Oct 2024 (personal overviews)

Cecily Withall + Andy Hirons

16.50

Summing up

Simon Richmond

17.00

Close of day 1

 


Tuesday 8th April:

The Jodrell Laboratory, Kew

Application – what does this mean for UK arboriculture?

08.30

Arrival, coffee

 

09.00

Introduction

Simon Richmond

09.05

The young tree

Giovanni Morelli & Stefania Gasperini

09.35

Nursery practice/ formative pruning research

Tom Joye

10.05

Nursery practice – commercial implications

Keith Sacre

10.20

Q&A / Discussion

All

10.30

Coffee

 

11.00

The adult tree

Giovanni Morelli & Stefania Gasperini

11.40

How do trees survive disturbances in the Wild?

Tristan Charles-Domonique

12.10

Outside – pruning demonstration

Tedioli Stefano / Giovanni & Stefania

13.15

Lunch

 

14.15

The mature tree

Giovanni Morelli & Stefania Gasperini

15.15

Tea

 

15.45

The ancient tree

Giovanni Morelli & Stefania Gasperini

16.30

Speaker panel /Q&A / Discussion – ‘Next steps?’

All

16.50

Summary / Conclusions

Simon Richmond

17.00

Close and depart

 

 

Module Pre-requisites:

N/A

Terms of Cancellation or Amendments to details

  • We reserve the right to cancel courses and refund applicants if there is insufficient demand.
  • A FULL charge will be applied to any booking cancelled less than 10 working days before the event.
  • A £30 administration charge may be applied to changes made to bookings that have been received and acknowledged.

For all course bookings outside the UK and Europe, please email training@trees.org.uk