RECAP - CW 51/2024

Talking Trees with Lili and Jad . Welcome to our weekly recap . Today we're diving into key insights on trees and their environmental interactions , covering topics from photosynthesis and the effects of urban settings to best practices in pruning and advanced tree measurement techniques .

Hey everyone , welcome back . It's time for another deep dive . You know what that means .

Yeah , we're taking all that cool stuff from Talking Trees last week .

Exactly . We're going beyond the headlines , so to speak .

And trust me , there's some seriously fascinating stuff in there .

For sure . Okay , so to refresh everyone's memory , last week on Talking Trees , we covered a whole bunch of topics . It was a packed week it was . We had photosynthesis planting big trees , tree pruning techniques .

Measuring trees too . And don't forget that Adbian software .

Oh yeah , that was a mind bender . And then , to round it all off , those amazing tree microhabitants .

Those little worlds inside the trees themselves .

Exactly so . Are you ready to dive in ?

Absolutely . Let's unpack all this amazing tree knowledge .

Awesome . So let's rewind back to Monday's Talking Trees , where we were talking about those city trees and how they deal with stress , especially those growing near busy roads .

Right that study comparing different tree species and cultivars .

How do they ?

handle those tough conditions with all the traffic and pollution and everything . Well , they use some pretty sophisticated tools to measure the impact , like fluorescent spectroscopy , for instance .

Wait , hold on . How does light tell you if a tree is stressed ?

Okay , so chlorophyll , the stuff that makes leaves green . It captures sunlight for energy , right , but it also gives off a faint glow called fluorescence . Scientists can measure this glow to see how efficiently the tree is photosynthesizing . Basically , a stressed tree won't glow as brightly .

So it's like checking the tree's vital signs to see how it's coping with the city .

Exactly . And they also looked at the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves and even how those tiny pores on the leaves , you know the stomata- yeah , they control the gas exchange right . Right . They were looking at how easily those were opening and closing .

So , like those ginkgo trees , right , they always seem to thrive in cities .

The ginkgo biloba Yep . They were real champs in this study . Barely any change in their photosynthetic activity . It's probably because they've been around for ages , literally millions of years . They've seen it all .

They're like the ultimate survivors .

Pretty much . But then you have other species that are more sensitive . You put them in the concrete jungle and their photosynthesis tanks .

So that's a big takeaway for anyone thinking about planting trees in a city . It's not just about how pretty the tree is , but whether it can actually survive the city life .

Exactly Knowing which trees can handle the heat literally can save a lot of time , money and heartache .

Okay , so , moving on to Tuesday , we shifted gears from the microscopic to the massive . We were talking about planting big trees , remember ?

Yeah , trying to move those already established giants .

I know I was especially intrigued by the idea of root pruning . I mean , cutting roots just seems counterintuitive when you're trying to help a tree establish itself .

Right , you'd think you'd want all the roots you can get Right , but root pruning is actually crucial when you're moving a big tree . Pruning is actually crucial when you're moving a big tree . It's all about encouraging the tree to grow a compact , dense root system that can be moved more easily and has a better chance of surviving the transplant .

So you're essentially giving the tree a head start on adapting to its new home before it even gets there .

Exactly , it's like pre-gaming for the big move .

Okay , that makes more sense . But are we talking about just lopping off a bunch of roots ?

There's definitely a method to the madness . The sources we looked at actually outlined two main approaches to root pruning selective pruning and non-selective pruning .

Okay , break those down for me , what's the difference ?

Well , selective pruning is more like a surgical procedure . You could say Ah , you carefully choose which roots to cut , usually targeting the larger structural roots that extend way out beyond the main root ball .

So you're encouraging the tree to focus on the smaller , finer roots within the root ball ?

Exactly that way . When you dig up the tree , you're not losing a ton of important roots .

So when would you use the non-selective approach ?

Non-selective pruning is like giving the tree a root buzz cut . You essentially prune all the roots within a certain radius .

Wow , that seems drastic .

It can be , but it's sometimes necessary if you need to move a tree quickly . It's definitely more stressful for the tree , though , because you're inevitably cutting some of those important feeder roots .

So it's a trade-off speed versus the long-term well-being of the tree .

Exactly , it depends on the situation , the type of tree , its age and the expertise of the arborist .

Speaking of expertise , the whole idea of transplanting a mature tree like the ones you see in parks it just boggles my mind . How on earth do they even begin to move something that big ?

It's a massive undertaking . You need specialized equipment , a skilled team and a super detailed plan . You're basically uprooting a living giant and trying to relocate it to a completely different environment .

So walk us through it . They can't just be digging a hole and plopping it in right ?

No , not at all . Timing is super important . It's usually best to transplant trees during their dormant season , when they're less active and better able to handle the stress .

Makes sense Less trauma for the tree .

Right . Then you have to carefully excavate a trench around the tree , severing the roots beyond the root ball and wrapping it up in burlap for protection .

So you're essentially creating a giant portable root ball .

Exactly the size of that root ball is critical too . Too small and you risk damaging the root system . Too big and it'll be impossible to move .

It's a delicate balance .

It is . Once the root ball is prepped , you need heavy machinery like a tree spade or a crane to actually lift the tree out of the ground and transport it . I can't even imagine , so needs to be the perfect size to accommodate the root ball , and the soil has to be amended with the right stuff to ensure good drainage and nutrients for the roots .

So it's like creating a five-star hotel for the tree's roots .

Pretty much . Once the tree is in the hole , you remove the burlap , backfill with soil , make sure everything is nice and snug . No air pockets is nice and snug no air pockets , exactly . And of course , the aftercare is just as important as the actual move itself Watering , mulching , sometimes even staking the tree for support .

Just to help it get settled in .

Right . Transplanting a mature tree is definitely a big commitment , but when it's done right , it's amazing . It's like giving a tree a second chance at life in a new space .

It's a pretty amazing feat when you think about it . It is .

It shows what we can do when we really understand and work with nature .

All right . So , moving on to Wednesday's Talking Trees , we scaled things down a bit and focused on pruning , especially for those older , more venerable trees .

Pruning is often seen as just a cosmetic thing , but it's so much more than that it's vital for a tree's health , especially as they age .

Remember we talked about how pruning older trees comes with a whole different set of challenges .

Absolutely . You have to be extra careful with older trees . Their growth patterns change over time . They become more susceptible to disease . So when you're pruning you need to really assess the tree's overall condition and how much stress it can handle .

So you're not doing more harm than good .

Exactly you want to help the tree thrive , not accidentally weaken it . And then there was that European tree pruning standard we talked about .

Yeah , that sounded pretty comprehensive . What stood out to you about it ?

Well , it really emphasized a holistic approach to tree care . It's not just about aesthetics , it's about considering the tree's overall health , the surrounding environment , even the safety of the people who are working on the tree .

So it's about finding that balance between the tree's needs , the ecosystem's needs and our own human needs .

Exactly , and it's about doing it all in a way that's safe for everyone involved .

All right , let's switch gears again . On Thursday we got into the world of measuring trees , and it turns out it's a lot more complex than just grabbing a tape measure .

Way more to it than that . I mean , a tape measure might be fine for a small tree , but when you're dealing with big trees , especially in an urban setting , you need more sophisticated tools .

So what kind of measurements are we talking about ? I'm guessing it's more than just the height of the tree .

Right . Height is important , of course , but we also need to know the circumference , the crown width , the volume of the trunk . All those measurements help us understand the tree's overall condition , its stability , how it's growing .

So it's like getting a full physical for the tree .

Exactly . And then we got into some really cool technology 3D tree scanning .

Yeah , that one blew my mind .

I know right , it's amazing . It's like creating a digital twin of a tree using lasers and sensors to capture millions of data points on the tree's surface , and then you can create this incredibly detailed 3D model .

So you can see every nook and cranny of the tree .

Yes , even the parts you wouldn't normally be able to see , like internal cavities or signs of decay .

Wow . So what can you do with all this data ?

So much . Arborists can use it to assess the risk of tree failure more accurately . They can see exactly where a branch might be weak , where a cavity might be compromising the tree's structure . It helps them plan pruning or cabling operations much more precisely .

So it's like having x-ray vision for trees .

Exactly . You can see inside and really understand what's going on beneath the surface . And all this data feeds into this standard for data collection , the Individual Tree Data Standard 2021 . It's all about creating a universal language for describing tree data , so everyone's on the same page .

That makes sense . It's like having a common dictionary for trees .

Right . And then there's this cool tool called the Adbian STEM scan that helps create those detailed 3D models .

Okay , so that leads us to Friday , and we were back in the world of software talking about Adbian . This one was a bit over my head , I'll admit .

Yeah , it's pretty high-tech stuff .

Can you give us the non-techie explanation of what it does and why it's important ?

Well , think of Adbian as a high-tech stability detective for trees .

Okay , a tree detective .

Exactly Adbian as a high-tech stability detective for trees . Okay , a tree detective , Exactly . It takes those 3D models we were just talking about and uses algorithms to analyze the structural integrity of a tree . It looks at things like wind , loads the tree species and then it calculates how likely that tree is to fail under different conditions .

So it's like putting the tree through a virtual wind tunnel .

That's a great way to think about it .

So it's not just about saving trees , it's about saving lives too .

Absolutely . Adbian helps prioritize tree care efforts and make sure we're focusing on the trees that pose the greatest risk to people and property .

And it probably helps allocate resources more efficiently too .

Exactly , especially when budgets are tight .

It sounds like Adbian is taking a lot of the guesswork out of tree risk assessment .

It really is . It's all about using data to make more informed decisions , which is better for everyone , both people and trees .

All right , let's wrap up this week with Saturday's episode of Talking Trees , where we went on a journey into those amazing veteran trees you know the wise old trees that are like little ecosystems in themselves .

Ah yes , those veteran trees . They're incredible . Every little nook and cranny , every dead branch , every bit of peeling bark , it's all a potential habitat for a whole array of organisms .

It's mind blowing to think that those tiny spaces can support so much life . What kind of creatures are we talking about here ?

Oh , you name it . You've got insects , spiders , fungi , lichens , mosses , even small mammals like bats and squirrels that take shelter in the cavities , and they all play a role in maintaining the biodiversity of the forest .

So those veteran trees are like biodiversity hotspots .

Exactly , and the older and more complex the tree , the more microhabitats it's likely to have .

I remember we talked about a practical guide for inventorying those microhabitats .

Yeah , it's like a field guide for exploring the miniature worlds inside those trees .

So it helps you identify different types of microhabitats and the creatures that live there .

Exactly , it's fascinating stuff . For example , a hollow in the trunk could be a perfect nesting site for a woodpecker or a roosting spot for bats . A dead branch , while it might look lifeless , is actually teeming with insects and fungi .

So it's all about looking at trees with a new perspective , seeing them not just as individual trees but as complex ecosystems .

Exactly , and it makes you realize how important it is to protect those veteran trees . They're not just beautiful to look at , they're crucial for a healthy forest .

Well , I think we've done a pretty good job unpacking the first half of our Talking Trees Week . From the tiny world of photosynthesis to the massive undertaking of moving mature trees . It's been quite a journey .

It has , and we're just getting started . There's so much more to explore and discover about these incredible organisms .

Yo , welcome to the week's recap where trees and science meet . From photosynthesis grinding on the city street . Monday's all about that green machine doing photosynthesis , working unseen . Fluorescent lights , chlorophyll insights . We measure the glow which trees thrive by the roadside , which ones grow slow .

You know it's amazing when you think about it . We go from those massive trees to the microscopic world of photosynthesis , and it's all the same organism .

I know right , Talk about a range and speaking of zooming in , remember that study on how urban environments affect photosynthesis .

Yeah , the one where they used all that fancy equipment to measure the impacts .

Right , like fluorescent spectroscopy , for example . Yeah , I have to admit that one went a bit over my head .

Yeah .

Can you break it down for us again ?

Sure , it's all about light . So chlorophyll , the pigment that makes leaves green . It captures sunlight for photosynthesis .

Right . We all learned that in school .

Exactly , but chlorophyll also emits a faint glow when it's exposed to light , and that glow is called fluorescence , and scientists can actually measure that glow to see how efficiently a tree is photosynthesizing .

So the brighter the glow , the healthier the tree .

Pretty much . They compared trees growing near busy roads with those in a quieter park setting and they found that some species , like the ginkgo biloba , barely showed any changes in their fluorescence .

Even with all the pollution and heat and everything .

Yep , it's like they have this built-in shield against urban stress .

So what's their secret ?

Well , ginkgos are known for being tough . I mean , they've been around for millions of years , surviving all sorts of environmental challenges . This study actually pointed to their efficient stomatal regulation as one of the reasons they did so . Well , you know those tiny pores on leaves that control gas exchange With stomata yeah . Right .

So it's not just about being tough , it's about being adaptable .

Exactly and knowing which species can handle the urban heat island effect is super important for city planners and arborists .

Okay , back to planting large trees . I'm still trying to wrap my head around root pruning . Cutting roots before you try to help a tree establish itself just seems so counterintuitive .

I know it seems weird , but remember , we're trying to encourage the tree to grow a compact , fibrous root system , one that can be moved easily and has a better chance of taking root in its new location .

Okay , so it's all about promoting the right kind of root growth .

Exactly , we talked about selective and non-selective pruning .

Right . So with selective pruning , you're carefully pruning specific roots to encourage more growth within the root ball itself .

Exactly that way . When you dig up the tree , you're not losing a ton of those important roots .

And non-selective pruning is more like a last resort .

Yeah , it's more like a root buzz cut . You prune all the roots within a certain radius . It's usually done when time is limited , but it can be a lot more stressful for the tree .

So I guess it all comes down to choosing the right approach for the situation .

Absolutely . It's not a one-size-fits-all thing .

Now the actual process of transplanting a mature tree . That still feels like magic to me . How do they even begin to move something that big ?

Well , first you have to choose the right tree . Not every tree is a good candidate for transplanting . It depends on the species , the age and health of the tree , the structure of its root system .

So it's not just about picking the prettiest tree on the block .

Nope , you have to think about the tree's overall health and its ability to handle the stress of being moved . Then you have to prep the tree carefully . It is Then at the new site . The planting hole needs to be perfectly sized and the soil needs to be just right for the tree to thrive .

So it's not just about digging a hole and dropping the tree in .

Definitely not .

It's about creating the ideal conditions for the tree's roots to reestablish themselves . Okay , so now the tree is in its new home . What happens next ?

Well then , it's all about aftercare Watering , mulching , sometimes even staking the tree for support . It takes a lot of care to make sure a transplanted tree survives and thrives .

It's like a major surgery and recovery period .

Exactly , but when it's done right it's amazing . It's like giving that tree a whole new lease on life in a new place .

Now let's get back to the microscopic world of photosynthesis . I know we talked about the urban environment study , but I think it's worth revisiting the actual science behind photosynthesis itself . It's fascinating how these tiny processes at the cellular level can have such huge implications for a tree's survival .

It really is . It's the foundation of life as we know it . I mean plants converting sunlight , water and carbon dioxide into energy and oxygen . It doesn't get much more fundamental than that .

And trees are like the ultimate energy producers .

Absolutely .

Which are essential for gas exchange right .

Exactly . And then you have the urban heat island effect , which can increase water loss through transpiration , making it harder for trees to stay hydrated , and compacted soil , which can restrict root growth , making it tougher for trees to get the water and nutrients they need .

So it's like an obstacle course for trees trying to survive in the city . Pretty much , and all those stressors can disrupt photosynthesis which means less energy for the tree to grow and thrive . And I remember the researchers used more than just fluorescent spectroscopy to measure those impacts right .

Yeah .

What other techniques did they use ?

Oh yeah , they looked at a whole bunch of things . They measured chlorophyll content to see how much of that energy capturing pigment was in the leaves . They also measured stomatal conductance to see how easily carbon dioxide was getting in and water vapor was getting out . And they measured water potential , which basically tells you how hydrated the tree is .

So it was a pretty comprehensive approach to understanding how these trees were dealing with city life .

It was , and the findings were really interesting . We talked about the ginkgos , how they seem to shrug off the stress .

Like they're immune to it .

Right . But other species weren't so lucky . They showed real declines in photosynthesis , they had less chlorophyll and their stomata weren't functioning as well .

All signs that they were struggling . So it's not just about picking any tree for the city . It's about choosing the right tree for the right place .

Exactly . We need to understand which trees can handle the specific challenges of that urban environment .

Okay , let's circle back to tree pruning techniques for a minute .

It's a skill that requires knowledge of tree biology and different techniques . Improper pruning can actually damage a tree and make it more susceptible to disease and pests .

So there's a right way and wrong way to prune a tree .

Absolutely , and there are different techniques for different purposes . Some of the most common techniques are heading back and thinning out . Have you heard of those ?

I have but refresh my memory . What's the difference ?

So heading back is when you shorten a branch by cutting it back to a bud or a lateral branch . It helps control the size and shape of the tree and encourages bushier growth .

Okay , so it's more like a shaping technique .

Yeah , and then thinning out is when you completely remove a branch back to its point of origin .

Ah , okay , so that's more about opening up the canopy and reducing weight on the tray .

Exactly . It can also help improve air circulation and let more light into the inner branches .

So both heading back and thinning out have their place , depending on the goal you're trying to achieve .

Precisely , and you also have to consider the species of tree , its age , its overall health . It's not a one-size-fits-all approach .

It's like personalized tree care .

That's a great way to put it . And , of course , safety is super important when it comes to pruning especially with large trees ? Oh absolutely . Arborists use all sorts of specialized equipment and techniques to make sure they can access the tree safely and do the job properly .

It's a pretty skilled profession .

It is .

Now let's dive back into those tree microhabitats . We talked about all the amazing creatures that live there , but I want to talk more about why those microhabitats are so ecologically important for the forest as a whole .

Well , it's all about biodiversity and balance right .

Right .

Those microhabitats provide all these little niches for different creatures , and they all play a role in keeping the forest healthy . You've got insects that break down deadwood . You've got fungi that decompose organic matter and release nutrients back into the soil .

So it's a whole cycle of life and death and renewal all happening in these tiny spaces .

Exactly , and the more diversity you have in those microhabitats , the more resilient the forest is as a whole .

So it can handle disturbances like drought or pests or disease outbreaks .

Exactly . It's like having a backup system for the forest , which is why it's so important to protect those veteran trees , because they provide the most microhabitats .

So it's not just about protecting individual trees , it's about protecting the whole interconnected web of life .

Well said .

Now let's get back to the tech side of things 3D tree scanning and Adbian software . We talked about how they're changing the way we manage trees , but I'm curious about their potential for conservation efforts . Could they be used to help protect trees in the long run ?

Absolutely . 3d scanning can help us create incredibly detailed models of ancient trees or heritage trees . So even if the physical tree eventually dies , we have a record of its structure and form .

It's like creating a digital archive of these irreplaceable trees .

Exactly , and those models can also be used to study those trees , how they grow , how they respond to environmental changes . That kind of information is really valuable for conservation .

And what about adbian ? How could that help with conservation ?

Well , adbian could be a game changer for assessing tree stability in areas that are prone to things like landslides . By identifying trees that are at high risk of failing , we can focus our conservation efforts where they're needed most .

It's like using technology to give a voice to those vulnerable trees . Well , I think we've covered a lot of ground today , revisiting some of those key topics from Talking Trees and really diving deep into the details .

It's been a great discussion .

It has , and I hope our listeners are feeling inspired to learn even more about these incredible organisms that play such a vital role in our lives .

Me too .

Thanks for joining us on this deep dive . We'll be back next week with a whole new topic to explore . Until then , happy listening .

Thanks for tuning in to this week's recap . We hope you enjoyed exploring the fascinating world of trees with us , from their biology to cutting-edge techniques in tree care and preservation . If you'd like to support our work and help us keep bringing you these insights , consider joining us on heroheroco slash talking trees .