Urban forestry is defined as the management of naturally occurring and planted trees and associated plants in urban areas. Arboriculture is the practice and study of the care of trees and other woody plants in landscape environments. To contrast the two, arboriculture focuses on the single tree, the urban forester focuses on the forest or larger population of trees in urban areas. Work for both the urban forester as well as the arborist may be on public or private land managing trees along streets, parks, greenspaces, utility corridors, as well as commercial and residential areas. They may work beside excavation contractors, builders, urban planners, civil engineers, public works officials, government agencies, tree boards and utility providers. At SBF, forester Austin Shelby is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture as a certified arborist. We will also work with other professional Certified Arborists contractors that specialize in technical work such as tree pruning and removal. 

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Diagnosing tree disorders can be tricky! If you contact us for sick tree consultation we will likely ask questions like- what species is the host tree, are there signs of pests, what are the symptoms of the host tree damage, has the water or shade regime changed, has there been construction or compaction to the root zone, have herbicides been applied in the area, is the site conducive to waste water or mag chloride runoff, is there visible damage to the tree or was there a dramatic climatic event? If the issue is still in question, forward pictures of the host tree and possible pest to SBF for FREE consultation. If we are still stumped, no pun intended, we will visit your site for a nominal fee. 

A tree inventory is a record of the location, characteristics, and assessment of individual trees and tree stands over a well defined area such as a park or open space. Managers use this information to perform statistical analysis that sets thresholds to guide management. SBF will use GPS technology to accurately locate trees . We will use GIS and geospatial technology to create digital or hard copy maps. This information can be used to support budgets that support arboriculture.

There are several approaches to urban tree appraisal. The demand for the client will likely guide which approach is taken. The first is based on real estate value in which comparable properties, with and without trees, are analyzed. This method has limitations in setting parameters of the magnitude of difference by geography. The second is called i-Tree and was developed by researchers and the USDA Forest Service. It considers attributes such as location, characteristics, proximity to structures, etc. Yet another way is to utilize methodology set forth by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers through the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition. This provides the most complex methods and can account for several factors such as actual replacement cost.

Let SBF help you protect your trees from bark beetles and other insects and diseases. We can apply preventative sprays to reduce your risk of tree loss.  Contact us in the winter for a consultation so that we can make applications prior to beetle flight. 

Pruning objectives may include reducing the risk of failure, providing clearance, increasing light, maintaining tree health, influencing flower or fruit production, increasing views and improving tree aesthetics. In certain cases such as public safety or landowner objectives, trees are best removed and/or replaced. Types of pruning methods include crown cleaning, utility pruning, crown thinning, vista pruning, crown reduction and restoration. Let our staff consult with you about which pruning or removal method is right for your trees. SBF holds a close working relationship with other local Certified Arborists that specialize in a plethora of technical services like pruning and tree removal.

The importance of matching a tree and its requirements to the planting site is crutial. Our staff will consider additional site factors like soils, planting technique, incorporation of buildings and other infrastructure, water availability, other trees and shrubs and future maintenance.  Tree characteristics are also considered during tree species selection. These include tree quality, genetics, hardiness, growth form, size, showy flower and fruit production, fall color, and insect and disease tolerance.

Construction damage is one of the most common causes of tree death and decline in urban settings. When a future development site has trees, they should be incorporated into the planning process by protecting them. Are you building or about to build a home? Are you a developer looking to maximize profits by accounting for forest value when considering parcel and commonspace arrangement? Let us help you protect your trees before, during and after construction.