Doctor Arbol - Spain

Talking Trees with Lillian Jad . Welcome to this episode of Talking Trees . Today we'll introduce Dr Arbol , an arboricultural company from Catalonia offering a diverse range of services , from tree health assessments and planting planning to innovative solutions for urban tree challenges . Let's dive into this inspiring example of modern arboriculture .

Hey everyone and welcome back for another deep dive . Today we're going to be talking about a pretty fascinating figure in the world of arboriculture .

Okay .

Gerard Pissola and his network , Dr Arbol .

Interesting .

And we're going to be focusing on their special works .

Yeah , like the large tree transplantings and be focusing on their special works .

Yeah , like the large tree transplantings and their really unique ways of stabilizing trees .

Cool .

So if you're an arborist , listening in this is going to be right up your alley .

I think a lot of arborists are going to be interested in Pissola's approach .

For sure .

It's refreshing to see someone who's not all about immediately jumping to transplanting .

Exactly .

He really emphasizes finding ways to preserve trees right where they are .

You know he's been managing trees in big cities for the last decade and really advocating for this less invasive approach .

It makes sense when you consider his background in risk assessment .

Oh , absolutely .

His company Tree Investigation and Management . They're all about understanding the tree's condition before making any decisions . It's crucial , yeah , Especially when you're dealing with those big , mature trees we see in cities .

For sure , it's about long-term health , not just quick fixes .

Exactly , but sometimes transplanting is unavoidable . It is .

And that's where Dr Arbol comes in .

Right .

Perval says he's done hundreds of transplantings himself .

Wow .

But Dr Arbol is a network of specialists .

I see they can handle those really complex cases . What's interesting ?

about .

Dr Arbol , is that it goes beyond the usual company structure .

Okay .

It's more like a collective highly experienced professionals , each with their own specialized training , Coming together to share their knowledge and collaborate on these big projects .

That collective knowledge must be so valuable . It is Especially for something as delicate as transplanting a large tree . What does that actually involve ?

Well , it's a really detailed process .

Yeah .

You need a deep understanding of tree biology , but also soil science .

Makes sense .

They plan each step meticulously .

Wow .

Thinking about the root system , site preparation , even the care after the transplant .

It's like they're giving these trees the royal treatment .

They are .

You know , it really got me interested , though their work on these specialized bracing systems Right For unique trees , fascinating stuff . It's not just basic cabling , they're creating custom solutions .

They're not just trying to keep a tree upright , it's about helping it thrive .

Right .

Even if it has structural weaknesses . Wow , it's about understanding the tree's anatomy its weaknesses and designing a support system just for it .

It's like engineering for a living structure . We're also doing research on physiotherapy for trees . What have they learned about how plants can help other plants ?

It's a fascinating area . They're exploring how to use companion planting to create a supportive environment .

So like using nature to make urban trees stronger .

Exactly .

That could really change things it could . It sounds like they're helping entire ecosystems .

That's the goal .

What about these sensors for monitoring stability ?

Oh , those are really interesting .

Yeah .

They can pick up the slightest movements in a tree , especially important for high value trees in parks and urban areas .

That's like an early warning system .

It is .

So you know about problems before you can see them .

Precisely .

It's like they're giving trees a voice .

I like that .

So they can tell us when they need help .

They can .

That kind of risk management is really impressive .

It is .

And it's all part of their philosophy of innovation , pushing the boundaries of tree care . Another example of that is their work with the . That's a good one . I was hoping you'd bring that up .

It's a great example .

What exactly is it ?

Well , it's a planting system . Okay . It creates a better environment for trees in tough urban conditions . It deals with things like compacted soil Right , poor drainage .

Yeah .

And limited space for roots All those challenges trees face in the city .

It sounds like they're really giving these trees a fighting chance . It really does . It really giving these trees a fighting chance ? It really does . It's like they're always searching for a better way to help trees survive in the city .

In those sometimes really tough urban environments .

Exactly so . You know , we've talked about their philosophy .

Yeah .

But what about some actual examples of their projects ?

Oh , there's some really interesting ones .

I bet . What are some that stand out to you ?

Well , one that comes to mind is their work transplanting mature trees . I mean , most arborists wouldn't even try to move trees that big .

Yeah , especially once they reach a certain age .

Right . But , dr Arbol , they seem to enjoy those challenges .

I can imagine the logistics must be incredible .

It's a huge undertaking .

Moving a tree that's been in the same place for decades .

Sometimes centuries .

Wow .

It takes a really careful approach . Yeah , you have to excavate the root system so meticulously .

And that can be huge .

It really can . It spreads much farther than you might think .

I bet , and they use all this special equipment to make sure they don't damage anything during transport .

Exactly , it's like a dance , yeah , between man and nature .

Trying to make sure the tree survives this huge change .

And their success rate is amazing .

Really .

They've moved trees that everyone thought were impossible .

That's incredible . Do you have any examples ?

Sure , there's one case that's really impressive .

Okay .

This monumental oak tree Okay , over a hundred years old , wow . And it was in an area that was going to be developed and they were tasked with moving it to a nearby park .

That must have been a massive project . Oh , it was enormous , you can't even imagine .

They had to carefully remove that massive root system .

Yeah .

And then transport it on this huge flatbed truck , oh wow . And then prepare a new planting hole in the park .

It's like a scene out of a nature documentary .

It really is this ancient tree on this big journey In a new life Exactly , and it shows how committed they are to preserving these trees .

Not just as individual trees . But as living monuments it's amazing , and we see that same dedication in their work with bracing systems , absolutely . You know we touched on that earlier , but I'd love to hear more about those unique challenges when you're trying to stabilize a tree with some weaknesses .

Yeah , so often those weaknesses , they come from things like decay .

Right .

Or storm damage Right , or even just the way the tree grew .

Oh , like co-dominant stems .

Exactly , and in those cases just regular bracing might not be enough .

So what do they do ?

They have to get really creative . They design custom bracing systems .

Oh , wow .

Specifically for that tree .

That's incredible .

And they use all sorts of materials yeah , steel cables and rods , even synthetic webbing Interesting . And they have to consider everything .

Yeah .

The wind load the environment around the tree .

It's like they're architects .

They're really pushing the boundaries .

Yeah .

Sometimes they even use computer modeling .

Right .

To see how the tree will handle stress .

That's so cool .

And to make sure their designs are the best they can be .

Can you give me some examples ?

Of course . So one that stands out is this giant sequoia tree .

Okay .

It had this massive split in its trunk . Oh , no it looked like it was going to tear in half .

Wow .

So they created this dynamic bracing system with steel cables and rods .

Okay .

And it let the tree move in the wind , yeah , but it kept that split from getting worse .

That's amazing . Yeah , so they're basically holding this giant tree together .

They are , with their ingenuity and their expertise that sequoia is still standing strong .

That's amazing .

Proof that their approach really works .

It's so inspiring to see these examples .

Yeah .

It shows how much they understand about trees .

And how passionate they are about protecting them .

They're not just treating them like objects , they're respecting them .

They're not just arborists treating them like objects they're respecting them .

They're not just arborists , no , they're tree advocates Pushing the boundaries of what's possible . They are so as we move into the last part of our deep dive , Okay . I think it's time to think about the bigger picture .

Yeah .

What can we all learn from their work ? Pasola and Dr Arbol really set a high bar they do . Their work is just so impressive .

It really makes you think .

About how we can all step up our game .

As arborists . Well , I think one of the biggest takeaways .

Yeah .

Is the importance of always learning . Hustle is always seeking new knowledge .

He really is .

Always questioning the conventional wisdom .

Always pushing the boundaries .

And that's something we can all do .

It's a great reminder to never get complacent .

Yeah , this field is constantly evolving .

There's always something new to learn .

Exactly .

Another thing we can learn from Dr Abul .

Yeah .

Is the power of working together . Collaboration yeah , it's the foundation of their success .

They've brought together all these specialists yeah , different fields coming together To tackle these complex problems . And it works .

It does and we can do the same .

Share our experiences .

Get input from colleagues .

Build relationships .

Especially now .

With climate change .

Development pressures .

We need to work together .

More than ever .

And we can't forget the challenges within our industry . The things Pasola has talked about .

The big companies focused on profits . Yeah , inconsistent certification standards .

Those are serious issues .

We need to raise the bar as a profession . Advocate for higher standards .

Ethical practices .

A real commitment to tree health .

And that brings us to Passola's message about honesty .

Integrity .

Being true to our profession .

We need to be advocates for trees not just focus on quick fixes or profits . We need to think long term make ethical decisions use our knowledge responsibly do what's best for the trees every time .

So , as we wrap up this deep dive , into the world of Gerard Pissola and Dr Arbolt .

I hope you're feeling inspired .

We've seen what's possible when innovation and collaboration come together .

With a deep respect for trees it's amazing what they've accomplished . Now it's our turn to take those lessons and apply them to our own work .

Let's be the best arborists we can be .

Champions for trees .

Creating a future when ?

our urban forests thrive .

Keep learning .

Keep growing .

And keep those trees standing tall .

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Talking Trees . If you enjoyed learning about Dr Arbel and their work in urban arboriculture , don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes . Thank you , we appreciate your time and passion for trees and we can't wait to bring you more inspiring stories next time .