ISA Biomechanics Week 2013

I gathered with some amazing arborists from around the world at this year’s ISA Biomechanics week. This time, many of the studies focused on pull tests, while other studies involved root architecture and the crown of the tree.  There was a great spirit of cooperation among researchers,  technicians, and support staff – almost like a summer camp for adult arborists.

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Thanks to ISA, Davey, and other sponsors and of course the participants for advancing arboriculture, one research study at a time.

Above: Buttress roots sliced in 2010. Tree responds by snaking new root into the earth.

Above: These buttress roots were sliced in 2010. The tree has responded by snaking new root downward into the earth.

Below: A tree grows within the tree. Pith trail downward connects to a branch which dies,coloration forming a stem, but decay is compartmentalized. Pith trail to the left runs out of juice. Pith trail to the right carries the dormant bud to the surface, awaiting awakening.

Above: A tree grows within the tree. The downward pith trail to a branch which has died, coloration forming a stem, but the decay is compartmentalized. The leftward pith trail runs out of juice. The pith trail to the right carries the dormant bud to the surface, awaiting awakening.