While reading the Western Arborist, an tree industry publication, I came across a top ten list of what we have learned about trees by Nelda Matheny and Jim Clark, both very well known researchers, teachers, lecturers and industry titans. I have had the honor to meet both, read their work and attend their workshops. So when I came across their top ten list, I felt compelled to share it with you.

• 10. Our view of trees has evolved from being niceties to being necessities.
• 9. Tree preservation requires space.
• 8. Tree care practices can have either positive or negative consequences.
• 7. Soil health is vital to tree health and requires protection and nurturing .
• 6. Structural defects in mature trees can largely be prevented through selection and early care.
• 5. Trees are both biological organisms and mechanical structures.
• 4. Tree care applies general information to specific genotypes.
• 3. Tree risk assessment is an imprecise endeavor.
• 2. We must use science to guide tree management.
• 1. Education is a lifelong process.

Bonus: It’s not enough to know about trees.

We have to know things that affect trees and things trees affect.

We have to describe and present our work.

CERTAINTIES

1. Trees will continue to grow and require care.

2. Trees will become more important to people and cities.

3. If you stop learning the world will pass you by.

Nelda Matheny & Jim Clark, Western Arborist, Fall 2020

As a certified arborist, tree risk assessor qualified, registered consulting arborist, C-27 landscape contractor and professional horticulturist, I have spent my personal and professional life involved with trees. They are my passion and profession, I’m extremely grateful for spending a lifetime with trees. For me, trees provide beauty, aesthetics and functional benefits. But most important, trees provide me an emotional connection to our planet. We could exist without trees. They bring me happiness and beauty, they uplift me and provide calm and peacefulness in times of need. They are truly magnificent biologic organisms we should maintain, share, and protect for future generations.