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

This is just a test.

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

Who is Better Qualified to Opine on Root Damage, Civil Engineer or Certified Arborist? I was retained by a defendant attorney to determine whether her client’s tree was responsible for lifting the adjacent civil sidewalk that resulted in a plaintiff trip and fall lawsuit.  Based on the photographs and tree species, White mulberry (Morus alba), I was fairly certain her client’s tree was responsible for the sidewalk damage. The attorney retained me and requested a site inspection and tree root assessment.  I trenched adjacent to the sidewalk and within a short time, encountered a three-inch diameter root growing under the … Read More

Rarely have I seen a successful turf block driveway.  Turf block, turf stone, turf pavers are systems installed as living turf driveway alternatives.  The material provides structural support via plastic or concrete cells that are filled with a soil media for turf installation.  The block is designed to support vehicular traffic on driveways while providing a green alternative to concrete or asphalt driveways. Turf blocks have been used for decades, but rarely have I seen thriving  turf grass within the block.  Not because of the product, but usually due to turf establishment and failure issues.  Due to reduced soil root … Read More