What is NuttyArb all about..!?
I am an arborist working in England. I discovered arboriculture in 2003 and ever since I have been completely fascinated by the subject of trees. My main passions are ancient trees and conservation. Thousand year old oak trees offer some much inspiration. Their longevity and ability to survive ever changing environments and climate is so impressive. They have survived the arrival of the motor vehicle, introduction of invasive species and exotic pests and diseases. They have seen changes in monarchy, world wars, droughts and severe freezes. These trees deserve our respect.
I have constructed this site to share my thoughts and observations concerning arboriculture. There may be mistakes and omissions in this site. I am not trying to make it too scientific either.
Ancient Trees
All too often old trees are taken down for all the wrong reasons. These include development and health and safety- or paranoia. Ancient buildings (sometimes not so ancient) are protected far more rigourously than ancient trees. These trees have often been growing for hundreds of years longer than the buildings have stood. Surely these splendid trees deserve greater protection. They are part of our landscape and heritage.
There is some large treework included in this site but I am not trying to glamourise the felling of old trees. Some trees may have little or no wildlife value, or there may be younger specimens growing in the shadows that could be given the chance to take over. I have reduced or monolithed (dead trees taken back to the stem) many more trees than I have felled. Treework is rarely beneficial to the tree. I think it is important to keep an open mind as an arborist, but always try to do the best by the tree or associated wildlife.
Fungi
An interesting sideline to arboriculture is the subject of fungi. Fungi and trees are closely related, as are fungi with most things. Fungi have been found degrading cds and granite. Fungi are the recyclers of the planet. They turn plants into the soil of tomorrow. Fungi can also help plants through mycorrhzal association.
Many trees are condemned due to the presence of fungal fruiting bodies, often unnecessarily. This often destroys valuable habitat. In many cases these trees could be reduced or the target (something a failing tree may hit) could be removed. If a removed tree has a high habitat value, it may be possible to leave it in woodlands to enhance the ecology.
Bonsai
Bonsai is a great hobby. I love to be able to have mature looking trees, although minature, in my garden. It is a collaboration of art and arboriculture.
There are two main aspects to arboriculture. The physical treework and the study of trees. I love the excitement and adrenaline from treework, but also find studying trees fascinating.
International
I would like to include work and trees from around the world. If you would like to include your work in Nuttyarb, just send an email.
