The Davey Institute Grant Jones Davey Tree Expert Company From the “Big Tree” to Your Own Backyard

The Davey Institute

State Champion until recently with a 44’ height, 89’ spread and 35’ trunk circumference. State Champion until recently with a 44’ height, 89’ spread and 35’ trunk circumference. Keeps getting youngerKeeps getting younger

The Davey Institute

Value of Live Oak Wood Value of Live Oak Wood Myths and Legends Myths and Legends

The Davey Institute Environmental Threats HurricanesHurricanes FloodingFlooding High WindsHigh Winds TornadoesTornadoes Winter FiresWinter Fires Photo Source: National Climate Data Center

The Davey Institute Natural Protection Protected by barrier islandProtected by barrier island High groundHigh ground Shallow bayShallow bay

The Davey Institute Biggest threat to the Big Tree...

The Davey Institute Biggest threat to the Big Tree... The Public Source: houseonmarystreet.blogspot.com

The Davey Institute Davey’s Involvement Davey’s been involved in caring for the Big Tree for over 40 years

The Davey Institute Deep Root Fertilization with Mycorrhizae

The Davey Institute Incorporate Soil Amendments

The Davey Institute Removing Deadwood

The Davey InstituteCabling

Propping

Lightning Protection System

The Davey Institute Can I apply these practices to the tree in my yard?

The Davey Institute Deep Root Fertilization Use a slow release fertilizer with low salt index Use a slow release fertilizer with low salt index

The Davey Institute Remove Competition Photos courtesy of the Univ. of Illinois

The Davey Institute Competition Image from Principles and Practice of Planting Trees and Shrubs

The Davey Institute Mulch But Do It Right! May create more problemsMay create more problems Don’t pile against trunkDon’t pile against trunk Use composted wood mulchUse composted wood mulch 2-3 inch depth beneath the dripline2-3 inch depth beneath the dripline

The Davey InstitutePruning Do It Right!Do It Right! –Don’t Overprune –Plan Ahead and Train Young Trees –Make Good Cuts That Promote Callus Formation –Limit Decay –Don’t Promote Excessive Top Growth

The Davey Institute Training Young Trees - After Source: Arborist News, Dec 1996

The Davey Institute Goals for Pruning Mature Trees Remove deadwoodRemove deadwood Reduce potential hazardsReduce potential hazards –Shorten length of overextended limbs Thin branches from edge of canopyThin branches from edge of canopy Remove as little live tissue as possible to accomplish goalsRemove as little live tissue as possible to accomplish goals

The Davey Institute Support Systems Supplemental support to leaders, individual limbs and/or the whole plantSupplemental support to leaders, individual limbs and/or the whole plant Used to limit or minimize potential storm damageUsed to limit or minimize potential storm damage Prune to correct defects before installing cabling or bracingPrune to correct defects before installing cabling or bracing Systems need routine inspection and have a fixed life spanSystems need routine inspection and have a fixed life span

The Davey InstituteBracing Images courtesy of International Society of Arboriculture

The Davey InstituteCabling Images courtesy of International Society of Arboriculture

The Davey Institute Lightning Protection Trees most often struck:Trees most often struck: –Maple –Ash –Tulip Tree –Spruce –Pine –Sycamore –Poplar –Oak –Hemlock –Elm

The Davey Institute Radial Trenching / Vertical Mulching

The Davey Institute Filling With Amendments Fill with materials that will not decomposeFill with materials that will not decompose