Hello Everyone! I did a survey in which stemmed from something Lew wrote about and I know myself and others come in contact with each day.For example I get a call to consult with a potential residential client about there sick trees and they are pointing up at the symptons (of course every case is different) and they are wondering why I am looking down at the root crown. I am looking for all the things that are putting the tree into a stressful state which make the symptons (warning signs)appear, then we can recommend how to get the tree(s) headed towards optimumn health for the particular species, condition, location etc. What I am getting at is that there is much emphasis put on treating symptons. Survey for # of ques. & answers on this Discussion forum - Valuation = 155, General Arboriculture = 279, Construction / Hazards = 88, Roots = 36, Law = 33. Now, I am not saying that any thing is bad or needs to be changed, what I am saying is maybe we can add to this forum, I guess I thought The Underground World: Roots etc. should have come in higher. Maybe we need more stimulating talk about "The Underground World" or the "Etc." part of "Roots" A DEEPER meaning so to speak. Russ do you think we need some more topics such as PHC, Microbial activity, Soil Bacteria, Nematodes, Mycorrhazae or would this be the etc? I would like to hear about factual solutions / treatments / experiments / mollasses / sea kelp /etc. What other arborists think about Fertilization / Verical Mulching. Why fertilizer is not plant food. Mycorrhazael examinations.When we are consulting should arborist's recommend dosage? Enquiring minds want to know.
Thanks, Ken

Reply to post by Ken Six, on August 22, 1998 at 12:23:07:

I've read somewhere that vertical mulching causes roots to become"pot bound" in the boreed hole.

The thought of using an auger or trencher just sounds too distructive to me, has anyone had succes with soil injection of organig slurry?

This from an intuitve level sounds like a better method. you dont terar up root systems, your not making unnatural pockets of radicaly different soil structure, the water infiltration will aerate and distribute the organic (or sandy loam?) material in a more even fasion.


jps
Happiness is a sharp saw


BTW I konw I can't spell to save my life

Reply to post by Ken Six, on August 22, 1998 at 12:23:07:

Ken, I think I understand what you are saying. Here's the "webmaster's" point of view-

I do want to have topics that are pertinent to the discussions going on, and that will encourage participation. However, I think (and this is backed up by surveys done on many boards) that too many topics fragments the discussion, and causes people to avoid some sections. The various subtopics do fit under "etc." in this section, I think. There are two keys to having good discussions: Someone to start them, and enough visitors/users to carry on the dialog. On the first part, I rely on you folks, the users of this site. If you want to discuss something, just put it here! As to more people, I'm trying like crazy to promote this board and get more traffic. Please help! Spread the word to friends, associates and competitors. Drop a note in your newsletter. Even let your customers know. The more use the site gets, the more dialog there will be. And incidentally, I get nothing back, except the enjoyment of seeing a successful endeavor. This is just part of what I consider my service to the industry that supports me.

I did just add a ninth section- Community Calendar. This is a place to post any notices of workshops, seminars, and various events (related in some way, of course). See the "Help" page or the first message posted in the section, for more details.

If you still feel there is a topic not covered that should be, let me know. I watch the board closely, and if I see one topic getting a lot of attention in any section, I'll split off a new section for it.

So, come on guys and gals! Let's make this place start hopping. Dust off those keyboards, and jump in!
Russ

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on August 22, 1998 at 12:23:07:

Just had another thought- you may wonder why the topics in in this particular order.

Well, I can't control that, yet. The system software for the board (not under my control) does not currently allow changing of the topic order. As I add new topics, they go to the bottom of the list, and must stay in that order. An upgrade is in the works, I am told, but no delivery date. So in the meantime, we'll live with it as it is.

Reply to post by Ken Six, on August 22, 1998 at 12:23:07:

I have recently been introduced to this bulletin board. I am a sales representative for Plant Health Care, Inc. We have a full line of mycorrhizal inoculants, and beneficial bacteria products. I was reading some of the questions and thought that I would answer a few. The questions about auguring and injections. There are people out there that do not have the technology or the money to own injection systems, therefore they are staying with the ways of auguring, it is still a good way to get aerification and fertilizers and other organic materials straight to the root systems where they will be immediately used by the tree. This still works although it does do some damage to the root systems. The use of injections has become the way of the future. There are many companies out there who have had great results in using organic slurries and injecting them into the root zones. I am aware of companies that have bought the equipment and made their money back in three months by using fertilizer, mycorrhizae and a biostimulant. If you have any further questions on these subjects, please srite back and or visit our website at planthealthcare.com. Thank you for listening.