Full day course including buffet lunch.
About
To look after trees well you need to know when there is something wrong with them so you can take appropriate action. However, as there are only so many symptoms a tree can express, it’s not always easy to figure out what might be wrong. On this course you will learn how to methodically work through all the possibilities, to accurately record a tree’s symptoms and surrounds and categorise what type of problem you are most likely observing. You will also learn when to take samples, where to send them for testing and what to do if you find something problematic.
Aims
Following the course, learners will be able to survey trees for the presence of pests and/or diseases.
Categorise the type of problem they are most likely observing.
Create a record of the assessment and determine next steps.
Take a sample for laboratory analysis.
Report pests and diseases with Tree Alert
Objectives
Portray the environmental, economic and social impact of tree pests.
Discuss the difference between physiological and pathological issues.
Work through the observation of non-infectious and infectious tree disease methodically using case studies in the arboretum collection.
Observe how to take an appropriate sample for laboratory analysis.
Talk through the use of tree alert to accurately report pests and diseases.
Determine next steps and where to go for more information.
Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:
Provide examples of how pests might impact upon economic, social, environmental and health and safety aspects in and around your workplace.
Differentiate between physiological and pathological problems.
Categorize types of tree disease.
Systematically observe a tree’s surroundings and symptoms to complete a survey form and/or compile a Tree Alert report.
Take samples for analysis.
Research which tree pests are important to your work using the UK Plant Health Risk Register and Pest Risk Analysis.
Take appropriate action where necessary.
Audience
People working in countryside management, gardening, plant nursery trade, nature conservation, landscape design, utility contracts, forestry, management of public and private woodland resource, conservation and tree health volunteers, interested amateurs, career developers.
