Terminology
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A
Absorbing Roots - small and fibrous, they take up water and nutrients; usually found at shallow depth in the root zone.
Absorption - taking up.
Access Route - roadway for entering and leaving a construction zone.
Aeration - drilling holes or pumping air into root zones to overcome compaction or improve water movement.
ANSI A300 - American National Standards Institute; standards of treatment for tree care practices.
Absorption - taking up.
Access Route - roadway for entering and leaving a construction zone.
Aeration - drilling holes or pumping air into root zones to overcome compaction or improve water movement.
ANSI A300 - American National Standards Institute; standards of treatment for tree care practices.
ANSI Z133.1 - American National Standards Institute; standards of safety for tree care practices.
Antitranspirant - chemical applied to plants to reduce water loss through leaves and stems.
Anvil Pruner - tool with straight blade that presses onto a flat surface; not recommended for tree pruning.
Arboriculture - science of growth and development of trees, and tree care practices.
Antitranspirant - chemical applied to plants to reduce water loss through leaves and stems.
Anvil Pruner - tool with straight blade that presses onto a flat surface; not recommended for tree pruning.
Arboriculture - science of growth and development of trees, and tree care practices.
B
Backfill
– soil and any amendments used to cover roots during transplanting.
Balled and Burlapped – trees grown in field soil and harvested manually or mechanically; wrapped in burlap with twine, and may have wire cage for larger trees.
Bare Root – trees grown in field soil but shaken or rinsed to remove soil when harvested; handled during dormancy. Smaller specimens usually, but survival of larger root masses is possible with hydrogel products.
Bark – outer layer of stems and trunks; protective tissue.
Barrier – fenced or otherwise designated boundary of root protection zone during construction.
Branch – stem originating from another, larger stem.
Balled and Burlapped – trees grown in field soil and harvested manually or mechanically; wrapped in burlap with twine, and may have wire cage for larger trees.
Bare Root – trees grown in field soil but shaken or rinsed to remove soil when harvested; handled during dormancy. Smaller specimens usually, but survival of larger root masses is possible with hydrogel products.
Bark – outer layer of stems and trunks; protective tissue.
Barrier – fenced or otherwise designated boundary of root protection zone during construction.
Branch – stem originating from another, larger stem.
Branch Bark Ridge
– protruding bark at the top of the junction (crotch) of two branches; continues downward from crotch.
Branch Collar – junction (overlap) of tissues of two branches or branch and trunk.
Bud – small dormant apical or lateral meristem; may be foliar or floral tissue; undeveloped flower or stem.
Buttress Root – large woody root extending trunk into the soil; part of root flare.
Bypass Pruner – tool with curved lower and cutting blades that slide past each other to operate.
Branch Collar – junction (overlap) of tissues of two branches or branch and trunk.
Bud – small dormant apical or lateral meristem; may be foliar or floral tissue; undeveloped flower or stem.
Buttress Root – large woody root extending trunk into the soil; part of root flare.
Bypass Pruner – tool with curved lower and cutting blades that slide past each other to operate.
C
Cambium
– layer of lateral meristematic cells; produces phloem and xylem tissue.
Canopy – branch and leaf portion of tree (also called ‘crown').
Carbohydrate – energy-storage compound produced by photosynthesis.
Cavity – open wound or hollow in trunk of tree; result of decay.
Central Leader – main growing terminal stem of a tree.
Certified Arborist – professional tree service provider; certification regulated and maintained with International Society of Arboriculture. Certified Arborist: an individual who has passed the certification examination sponsored by the International Society of Arboriculture and who maintains a current certification.
Codominant Stems – two equally competing terminal branches.
Canopy – branch and leaf portion of tree (also called ‘crown').
Carbohydrate – energy-storage compound produced by photosynthesis.
Cavity – open wound or hollow in trunk of tree; result of decay.
Central Leader – main growing terminal stem of a tree.
Certified Arborist – professional tree service provider; certification regulated and maintained with International Society of Arboriculture. Certified Arborist: an individual who has passed the certification examination sponsored by the International Society of Arboriculture and who maintains a current certification.
Codominant Stems – two equally competing terminal branches.
Compaction
– squeezing of soil that results in loss of pore spaces.
Containerized – trees grown in pots in a nursery since propagation, usually in a soil less mix; may have been stepped-up numerous times before sales.
Crotch – top of the union of two branches or of branch and trunk.
Crown – aboveground portion of tree.
Crown Cleaning – removal of watersprouts, suckers, dead, dying, diseased, deformed and damaged branches.
Crown Reduction – alternative to topping; reducing canopy by appropriate pruning techniques.
Crown Restoration – technique to restore growth habit of topped or damaged tree.
Containerized – trees grown in pots in a nursery since propagation, usually in a soil less mix; may have been stepped-up numerous times before sales.
Crotch – top of the union of two branches or of branch and trunk.
Crown – aboveground portion of tree.
Crown Cleaning – removal of watersprouts, suckers, dead, dying, diseased, deformed and damaged branches.
Crown Reduction – alternative to topping; reducing canopy by appropriate pruning techniques.
Crown Restoration – technique to restore growth habit of topped or damaged tree.
D
Decay
– deterioration of woody tissue by diseases.
Deciduous – trees that drop their leaves in winter.
Desiccation – extreme drying out.
Dieback – condition of death of many terminal branches.
Deciduous – trees that drop their leaves in winter.
Desiccation – extreme drying out.
Dieback – condition of death of many terminal branches.
Dormant
– at rest, or in a state of reduced activity.
Drip Line – boundary of the canopy.
Drop Cut – second cut in 3-cut process of removing a branch.
Drop Zone – area where cut branches may fall during pruning.
Drip Line – boundary of the canopy.
Drop Cut – second cut in 3-cut process of removing a branch.
Drop Zone – area where cut branches may fall during pruning.
E
Extension Pruner
– hook and blade bypass pruning tool on telescoping handle, operated by rope.
Evergreen– trees that keep their leaves or needles year‐round.
F
Fail
– a tree or branch breaks or falls.
Flush Cut– improper pruning technique; removes branch collar and damages trunk.
G
Girdling Root
– root growing around part of the trunk, restricting its expansion.
Guying
– stabilizing a tree with ropes or wires attached to ground staubs.
H
Hand Pruners
– tool for one-handed cutting of smaller stems.
Hardened Off – gradually introduced to a new environment.
Hardiness – ability to withstand cold or warm temperatures.
Hardiness Zone – sections of the country designated by expected range of low temperature.
Hardened Off – gradually introduced to a new environment.
Hardiness – ability to withstand cold or warm temperatures.
Hardiness Zone – sections of the country designated by expected range of low temperature.
Hazard Potential
– likelihood of failure and damage posed by a tree.
Heading Back – pruning shoots back one-half to one-third to buds or twigs with potential for growth.
Heartwood – inner wood (nonfunctioning xylem) that gives strength to the trunk.
Horizon – layer of soil in the profile.
Heading Back – pruning shoots back one-half to one-third to buds or twigs with potential for growth.
Heartwood – inner wood (nonfunctioning xylem) that gives strength to the trunk.
Horizon – layer of soil in the profile.
I
Included Bark
– bark tissue lodged in the crotch of two branches or branch and trunk indicating weak attachment.
Invasive Species - an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, as defined by the Department of Agriculture.
L
Lateral
– side branch or smaller twig of a limb.
Lateral Bud – vegetative bud on side of a branch.
Lateral Root – branching root beyond buttress root zone.
Leader – primary terminal stem of a tree or scaffold branch.
Lateral Bud – vegetative bud on side of a branch.
Lateral Root – branching root beyond buttress root zone.
Leader – primary terminal stem of a tree or scaffold branch.
Liability
– legal responsibility; generally associated with probable cost to repair damage.
Lopper – tool for two-handed cutting of larger stems.
Lowest Permanent Branch – lowest limb that will remain in tree canopy.
Lopper – tool for two-handed cutting of larger stems.
Lowest Permanent Branch – lowest limb that will remain in tree canopy.
M
Main Branches
– those that make up the canopy of the tree (scaffold branches).
Mature Height – tallest expected growth of a tree.
Mature Tree – has reached approximately 75% of its full canopy growth.
Mechanical Trimming - cutting of plant parts by any power-drive method other than chainsaw or boom-axe.
Mature Height – tallest expected growth of a tree.
Mature Tree – has reached approximately 75% of its full canopy growth.
Mechanical Trimming - cutting of plant parts by any power-drive method other than chainsaw or boom-axe.
Meristem
– tissue capable of dividing to form new cells.
Multiple Leaders – codominant stems competing for central growth of tree.
Mycorrhizae – fungus root; symbiotic combination of fungus and root tissue.
Multiple Leaders – codominant stems competing for central growth of tree.
Mycorrhizae – fungus root; symbiotic combination of fungus and root tissue.
N
Native - a species that historically occurred in a physiographic region of Virginia.
Natural Target Pruning – technique of removing branch that protects the branch collar; 3-cut process.
Natural Target Pruning – technique of removing branch that protects the branch collar; 3-cut process.
Node
– point of attachment of leaves and axillary buds.
P
Permanent Branch
– branch that will remain on tree; initial scaffold framework.
pH – measurement of acidity level of soil.
Phloem – food-conducting tissue of tree just outside of cambium.
Photosynthesis – food-making process of green plants.
Planting Specifications – detailed diagrams and statements specifying techniques for installing trees.
pH – measurement of acidity level of soil.
Phloem – food-conducting tissue of tree just outside of cambium.
Photosynthesis – food-making process of green plants.
Planting Specifications – detailed diagrams and statements specifying techniques for installing trees.
Pole Pruner
– long-handled pruner to reach into canopy without a ladder.
Pole Saw – long handled tool with tree saw on the end.
Pollarding – specific pruning technique for height restriction of trees.
Pruning – cutting away undesirable parts of a tree.
Pole Saw – long handled tool with tree saw on the end.
Pollarding – specific pruning technique for height restriction of trees.
Pruning – cutting away undesirable parts of a tree.
R
Radial Trenching
– technique for improving soil aeration in root zones; trench radiates from trunk.
Raising – removing lower branches to provide clearance.
Reduction – pruning to reduce height and/or spread of canopy.
Respiration – cellular process releasing energy from stored foods.
Restoration – pruning to recover shape and strength of damaged canopies.
Raising – removing lower branches to provide clearance.
Reduction – pruning to reduce height and/or spread of canopy.
Respiration – cellular process releasing energy from stored foods.
Restoration – pruning to recover shape and strength of damaged canopies.
Riparian Buffer - a band of trees, shrubs, or grasses that border a body of water.
Root Ball – remaining root and soil after tree is field-harvested.
Root Flare – base of trunk that swells out to become buttress roots entering the soil; root collar.
Root Pruning – cut or remove any circling or girdling roots; cutting roots to increase density of root mass.(H3) Scabbard
Root Ball – remaining root and soil after tree is field-harvested.
Root Flare – base of trunk that swells out to become buttress roots entering the soil; root collar.
Root Pruning – cut or remove any circling or girdling roots; cutting roots to increase density of root mass.(H3) Scabbard
S
Scabbard
– sheath for tree saw.
Scaffold Limb – permanent, main branch of the canopy. Ample vertical and radial spacing improves tree structure.
Sinker Roots – deep-growing roots providing tree stability.
Site Considerations – factors to take into account when determining what trees to select for the location.
Soil Amendment – material mixed with soil to adjust physical or chemical status.
Soil Analysis – determination of pH and mineral status (P and K usually) of soil.
Soil Compaction – pressing of soil that removes pores, eliminating water- and air-holding capacity.
Staking – using stakes to support newly planted trees.
Scaffold Limb – permanent, main branch of the canopy. Ample vertical and radial spacing improves tree structure.
Sinker Roots – deep-growing roots providing tree stability.
Site Considerations – factors to take into account when determining what trees to select for the location.
Soil Amendment – material mixed with soil to adjust physical or chemical status.
Soil Analysis – determination of pH and mineral status (P and K usually) of soil.
Soil Compaction – pressing of soil that removes pores, eliminating water- and air-holding capacity.
Staking – using stakes to support newly planted trees.
Standards
– specifications for tree installation, maintenance and/or pruning.
Stress – any of a group of factors that has a negative effect on tree health.
Structural Defect – any flaw in a trunk, branch or root that weakens the tree, possibly leading to failure.
Structural Pruning – pruning to develop a sound scaffold branch system in a tree.
Subordinate – prune a branch to retard its growth rate compared to competing branches.
Sucker – shoot originating from a root or lower trunk.
Sunscald – bark damage by excess sunlight and heat.
Stress – any of a group of factors that has a negative effect on tree health.
Structural Defect – any flaw in a trunk, branch or root that weakens the tree, possibly leading to failure.
Structural Pruning – pruning to develop a sound scaffold branch system in a tree.
Subordinate – prune a branch to retard its growth rate compared to competing branches.
Sucker – shoot originating from a root or lower trunk.
Sunscald – bark damage by excess sunlight and heat.
T
Taper
– decrease in diameter of trunk and branches from the base toward the tip.
Temporary Branches – shoots that remain during training of young trees, to be removed as tree matures.
Terminal Bud – bud at the apex of a stem.
Tree - woody vegetation two inches or greater in diameter to be measured at ground level.
Tree Protection Zone – area of tree roots to be designated by fencing to prohibit access during construction activities. Minimum 8-foot radius, or usually 1-foot radius per inch diameter at breast height.
Thinning – selective pruning of entire stems to increase air or light penetration to canopy or to decrease branch weight.
Topping – non-professional pruning technique; non-selective canopy reduction, often destructive to tree.
Transpiration – loss of water vapor from pores in leaves; cooling and nutrient transport process.
Temporary Branches – shoots that remain during training of young trees, to be removed as tree matures.
Terminal Bud – bud at the apex of a stem.
Tree - woody vegetation two inches or greater in diameter to be measured at ground level.
Tree Protection Zone – area of tree roots to be designated by fencing to prohibit access during construction activities. Minimum 8-foot radius, or usually 1-foot radius per inch diameter at breast height.
Thinning – selective pruning of entire stems to increase air or light penetration to canopy or to decrease branch weight.
Topping – non-professional pruning technique; non-selective canopy reduction, often destructive to tree.
Transpiration – loss of water vapor from pores in leaves; cooling and nutrient transport process.
Transplant
– install new tree into the landscape.
Transplant Shock – environmental stress (moisture, heat) after installation due causing wilting or leaf drop.
Tree Well – wall and root aeration system around tree and root zone when soil grade is raised.
Tree Wrap – temporary material to protect trunk of recently transplanted trees.
Trunk – base stem of tree that supports canopy.
Tunneling – boring a hole under root zones; alternative to trenching to protect roots.
Turgid – adequate water pressure in tissues.
Transplant Shock – environmental stress (moisture, heat) after installation due causing wilting or leaf drop.
Tree Well – wall and root aeration system around tree and root zone when soil grade is raised.
Tree Wrap – temporary material to protect trunk of recently transplanted trees.
Trunk – base stem of tree that supports canopy.
Tunneling – boring a hole under root zones; alternative to trenching to protect roots.
Turgid – adequate water pressure in tissues.
U
Undercut
– first of 3-cut process in natural target pruning. Prevents bark tearing.
V
Vertical Mulching
– drilling vertical holes in root zone and filling with porous material to improve aeration and water penetration.
W
Water Sprout
– fast-growing, usually vertical shoot from a lateral branch.
Weak Crotch – narrow angle connecting two branches or branch and trunk; often with included bark.
Wilt – loss of turgidity, drooping of leaves.
Weak Crotch – narrow angle connecting two branches or branch and trunk; often with included bark.
Wilt – loss of turgidity, drooping of leaves.
Wind Throw
– toppling failure due to high winds.
Wire Basket – external supporting cage for large B&B root masses.
Wound Dressing – not recommended; compound for covering cut branch ends.
Wire Basket – external supporting cage for large B&B root masses.
Wound Dressing – not recommended; compound for covering cut branch ends.
X
Xylem
– water-conducting tissue produced by cambium; becomes wood and provides structural support.
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