I watched a terrific webinar hosted by Mr. Neville Fay, an gifted, learned arborist in England. Here are some takeaways from the Webinar. Humans identify with other living animals because humans are animals. anthropomorphism, the interpretation of nonhuman things or events in terms of human characteristics, as when one senses malice in a computer or hears human voices in the wind. Anthropomorphism is a human characteristic hindering are ability to fully comprehend and understand the plant kingdom, particularly trees and plants. Why are humans blind to the plant kingdom? Is it because humans have become increasingly separated from nature? Since we … Read More

For several years, climate change and drought created conditions for uncontrolled California wildfires. These wildfires burned with such intensity, several Giant Sequoia, (Sequoiadendron giganteum), forests were heavily damaged. We have lost approximately 20% of the entire species, over 10,000 Giant Sequoias have been destroyed the past three years alone. Although these magnificent trees are fire adapted, with an incredibly thick outer bark protecting the cambium within, the recent fires burned with such incredible intensity scores of trees were incinerated. Another fire adaptation are the Sequoia cones that normally open after a fire, distributing thousands of seeds that germinate and replenish … Read More

With spring time on the horizon, it was time to start sprucing up my landscape garden. I try to make the garden interesting using a variety of plant materials with differing form, texture and foliage color. My latest planting incorporates bromeliads into the landscape. There are countless species to select from, their form, leaf color, texture and flowering are extremely unique and incredibly beautiful. Fortunately, there is a fantastic nursery in north San Diego County specializing in bromeliads and tillandsia, www.birdrocktropicals.com Visits are by reservation only, but well worth it. Although I’m a horticulturist, bromeliads are a specialty species I … Read More

Whether an attorney represents a plaintiff or defendant, they hire an expert who will provide compelling testimony to support their client.  Sometimes, multiple experts from a variety of disciplines may be required. When should an attorney consider hiring a certified or registered consulting arborist as an expert witness?  Trip, slip and fall accidents caused by tree roots damaging concrete sidewalks, asphalt streets, patios, and decks. Tree failures, forensic tree risk assessment to determine open and obvious? Appraisal(s) to establish the pre-casualty tree value prior loss due to fire, vandalism and trespass. Determine whether an owner, individual or company satisfied the … Read More

Structural failures occur when the stresses due to forces acting on a tree exceed the strength of the tree or or the tree/soil connection supporting the tree. Even the structurally strongest tree will fail when a load is applied that exceeds the carrying capacity of one or more of its parts. Typically, it is a combination of several defects or conditions causing a structural failure. A root or stem decay, or poor structure combined with an unusual loading event, such as a strong wind storm, are frequently associated with tree failures. While there are several factors involved in a failure, … Read More

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. … Read More

One common garden myth is trees have long tap roots extending straight down into the ground.  This is a common misconception of root growth, an incorrect perception shaped by “common sense” assumptions, not scientific evidence.  Most of us have seen seedlings germinate and immediately grown a “tap root” into the soil.  The root growth occurs prior to the seedling growing new leaves.  Once the tap root is established, new leaves begin to appear. People generally think the tap root continues to grow downward, in essence resembling an enlarged carrot or a Christmas tree form.  The misconception of the tree crown … Read More

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Jeremy Rappoport, President of Rappoport Development Consulting Services LLC, made his video presentation at the ‘Tree for Tomorrow Starts Today’ Workshop. The zoom video workshop was attended by several hundred professionals from water districts, agencies, tree service and tree consultants, landscape architects and other industry professionals. The goal of the workshop was to increase tree health and reduce impacts created by urban heat islands, and properly selecting and caring for trees today to ensure a greener tomorrow. Mr. Rappoport’s presentation, entitled ‘Is Your Tree Safe’ examines his use of tree risk assessment for forensic investigations in tree failure accidents. The … Read More

Hello, this is Jeremy Rappoport, president of Rappoport Development Consulting Services LLC (RDCS). The workshop goal is to increase tree health and reduce impacts of urban heat islands by properly selecting and caring for trees today to ensure a greener tomorrow. The workshop is sponsored through the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. As an experienced legal expert witness, I consult for defendant and plaintiff attorneys and insurers in the fields of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape and land development. My credentials as a certified arborist, registered consulting arborist, tree risk assessor qualified (TRAQ), C-27 landscape contractor, and B.S. in ornamental … Read More