Author: Vince Mikulanis

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Report shows increase in tree-care related occupational fatalities in 2016

We are well aware of the benefits trees provide our communities.  However in order to keep them healthy and thriving, trees require maintenance.  Tree-care professionals work in one of the most hazardous occupations – and injuries and fatalities are on the rise.  If you are a home owner – please hire only companies that are qualified, are certified arborists, and maintain strict safety standards.  If you are a tree-care professional, please always work safely, do not cut corners, and if something feels wrong – Stop immediately and correct any potential safety issues.

The Tree Care Industry Association tracks injuries and fatalities in the tree-care industry.  TCIA learned of 153 tree care-related occupational incidents in calendar year 2016. Ninety-two of them were fatal. A report in the most recent issue of ArborAge provides what TCIA knows about these incidents from the media accounts.

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Plants and trees provide shade and transpire moisture to cool the air; gravel and artificial turf don’t.

Drought panic and rebates incentivize too many quick and dirty solutions for our water crisis. All over the city — and especially in park-poor areas, where postage-stamp lawns may be the only relief from pavement — we have to think before we act. Will exchanging a living, breathing yard for a bleak gravelscape save water? Some. But is it the only way? Is it the right way?

We know the answer is Heck No!  But to find out why not, check out this great Op-Ed from the LA Times from Jun 2015

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San Diego Host to 2017 Western Chapter ISA Conference May 8-11

San Diego is hosting the 2017 WCISA conference May 8-11 with a theme of “Plans, Partners and Progress.”  Several SDRUFC members are actively involved in the planning and preparations for this event.  It will be held on the island resort of Paradise Point in Mission Bay.  There is a fantastic line-up of engaging speakers, and plenty of entertainment including “Joe Rathburns Island” a Jimmy Buffet Cover band.

We had a walk through of the site yesterday and this definitely is a conference not to be missed!

Check out the conference website for more details and to register to attend! https://wcisaconnect.com/

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Tree Care for Birds BMP Ready for Review!

The Tree Care for Birds and Wildlife project is a state-wide partnership between volunteers of the arboriculture and wildlife communities of California to enhance habitat through tree care practices.

Begun in July 2015, this three-year project focuses on tree care to protect birds and other wildlife during and beyond nesting season as well as on ways to enhance habitat for birds and other urban wildlife. Its key strategic approach is to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) which will also set the standards for specialized training and certification for tree care specialists in California.

These BMP’s are now ready for review.  Please provide comment by February 24th.  Visit www.treecareforbirds.com to download the BMP and for more information.

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Trees and Stormwater Webinar 2/8/17 10-11am

With recent storms, we are reminded of the importance of onsite stormwater retention, the role of trees and other vegetation in absorbing rainwater, ….. and also the risks of tree failure from shallow roots developed by inappropriate tree watering and tree selection.  When arborists and engineers work together, trees are a low-cost, multi-benefit, amazing asset in our local Stormwater resources!!!  Please take time to view this 1-hour webinar on Wed. Feb. 8, 10am

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Feb 1st Meeting

Our February 1st meeting will be held at:
City of San Diego War Memorial Building in Balboa Park

325 Zoo Drive. Free parking in the north part of the Zoo parking lot. Or take the trolley to City College Trolley Station (C Street and Broadway then the 7 bus north on Park Avenue (or walk 1.9 miles).

This meeting will be held from 11:00am to 1:30pm – Cost is $20.00
This meeting will have 1 CEU’s for Arborist / Tree Worker Certification.
This Months topic will be:

“Threats to the Urban Forest”

There are many threats to our urban forest today. Some are invasive, some are environmental, and some are preventable. This presentation will cover many of these issues, as well as include an open discussion on what you perceive are currently the biggest threats to the urban forests in Southern California.

Presented by: Jennifer Pelham

Jennifer Pelham is the Area Environmental Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension in San Diego and Orange Counties.
Jennifer is relatively new to California, but previously spent over 14 years as a faculty member with the University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Originally from Pennsylvania, she obtained her B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University and two master degrees from the University of Florida, including one in Pest Management. Jennifer has also been a Certified Arborist since 2004.

RSVP by Friday January 27, 2017
Please email confirmation
mikepalat@aol.com