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Review of Jim Clark and Nelda Metheny's "Advanced Tree Hazard" Seminar

Jim Clark and Nelda Metheny's gave their "Advanced Tree Hazard" seminar at the old theater in Prescott, AZ on Feb. 28, 2003. The day started off cold and snowy and ended up warm and sunny. About 80 people from the Arizona Tree Council were in attendance for the one day seminar.

Jim, who has a Phd and Nelda, who has a MS, were both students together in the late 1970s at UC Davis in the Environmental Horticulture Department. Their professors were Dr. Richard Harris and Dr. Jack Paul, well known leaders in arboriculture and nursery management. Much of Jim and Nelda's methods were formulated during those years. I know, because I was a student with them.

During the seminar Jim spoke at length about the current science of tree hazard evaluation. He told of the latest research from Germany, where scientists have studied how tree healing is similar to bone healing. He also showed the obvious and not so obvious signs to look for in assessing tree hazards.

Nelda described and demonstrated the lastest methods and instrumentation used to quantify wood strength to make tree hazard evaluations. Both Jim and Nelda also went through the steps on making evaluations and stressed the importance of defining the hazard's target. For example, if a tree is to fail in a forest the target is of low value. However, if the tree is to fail in a crowded school yard, then the target value is extremely high and serious precautions must be taken to eliminate the tree hazard.

The second half of the seminar was a hands on experience where the audience evaluated the same 5 trees in downtown Prescott. The group then reported back to the auditorium for its analysis. This was the most interesting and illuminating part of the seminar and showed just how subjective tree assessments can be. One of the 5 trees we examined was the historic "hanging tree" of Prescott, an old oak that dated back to 1776. From an arborists' stand point this tree was a mess. Lots of old split limbs, mistletoe, decay and cavities with a high potential to fail. Many of the attendees voted to eliminate this great old tree while others voted to spare no expense and save it at all costs. Talk about a heated debate! ...And over a tree! The scores for this particular tree went all over the place and the whole group couldn't come to an agreement. Jim said this is what to expect if you ever plan to go before a municipal or citizens board with these sorts of issue. It can be a hornets nest.

Overall the seminar was a valuable experience and I'd recommend it to any tree professional. Next time you get a chance to be sure to attend Jim and Nelda's next seminar. It will be entertaining and informative.

Andrew Backhaus, Ph.d.
Artistic Arborist, Inc

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