Tree Life Arboricultural Training

21/01/2026

Last chance to book on Andy's ISA Cert Arb Preparation Course before it starts on Tuesday! Check out https://treelifeac.co.uk/isa-certified-arborist or contact us at [email protected] to join this course.

What is the ISA Certified Arborist? From the ISA themselves: “The ISA Certified Arborist designation sets you apart as someone with the commitment, dedication, and knowledge to succeed. The ISA’s most popular credential, the ISA Certified Arborist program is accredited by the ANSI National Accre...

13/01/2026

Thinking of becoming an ISA Certified Arborist? Our next ISA Cert Arb Preparation Course starts on 27th January 2026 - check out https://www.treelifeac.co.uk/isa-certified-arborist or contact us for details!

What is the ISA Certified Arborist? From the ISA themselves: “The ISA Certified Arborist designation sets you apart as someone with the commitment, dedication, and knowledge to succeed. The ISA’s most popular credential, the ISA Certified Arborist program is accredited by the ANSI National Accre...

13/08/2025

An old Acer palmatum, the Japanese maple.

These are admired for their graceful form and striking seasonal colours, and with the right care, it can be a long-lived feature in the landscape.

While its typical lifespan is around 100 years, well-positioned and well-maintained specimens have been known to live even longer.

These trees thrive in sheltered spots with dappled light, avoiding extremes of wind or scorching sun that can scorch the delicate leaves. Healthy soil with good drainage, combined with regular watering during dry spells, helps them reach their full potential. A long-lived Japanese maple can become a centrepiece of the garden, offering beauty for generations.

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31/07/2025

The Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small, ornamental tree renowned for its stunning display of pink-purple flowers that emerge directly from the trunk and branches in early spring, before the leaves appear.

Native to southern Europe and western Asia, it's well-suited to UK gardens and urban settings due to its compact size and drought tolerance.

The name "Judas tree" comes from legend, said to be the tree from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself, though its beauty tells a different story.

Beyond folklore, it provides early nectar for pollinators and adds striking seasonal interest. Its heart-shaped leaves and vibrant blossoms make it a favourite among tree lovers.

30/07/2025

Internal Audit of a Tree Risk Management System Workshop - 26th November

Gain sufficient understanding of the internal audit process and what aspects are required to be examined.

24/07/2025

Subsidence Investigation Workshop - 19th November.

A programme that allows attendees to go away with sufficient understanding of how a claim to fell a tree implicated in subsidence should be processed.

17/07/2025

BS5837 Workshop - 5th November

A Workshop that provides in-depth working knowledge and understanding of the British Standard 5837.

👉 book your space now. Link in bio

10/07/2025

Fungi Recognition and Response 1 day course - 4th November.

Book your place now 👉 website link in bio.

05/07/2025

Lottie found this huge beauty!
Cerioporus squamosus, commonly known as dryad’s saddle, is a striking bracket fungus often found on dead or decaying hardwoods such as sycamore, ash, and elm, though it can also appear on living trees with central decay.

It typically fruits in spring and autumn, producing large, scaly caps with a distinctive saddle like shape and a strong, mealy scent.

This fungus plays a role in breaking down lignin and cellulose, contributing to white rot. While it can be a sign of internal decay in standing trees, especially around old wounds or cavities, its presence doesn’t always indicate immediate failure. However, careful inspection is warranted where it appears on stressed or valuable trees.

02/07/2025

A hazard beam crack (a term coined by Prof. Dr. Claus Mattheck) is a serious structural feature found in large, often horizontal limbs, where a longitudinal crack runs along the centre of the branch.

It develops when internal stresses, usually from heavy loading or extended lever arms, cause the wood fibres to fail under tension.

This feature weakens the limb and increases the likelihood of failure, especially during storms, snowfall, or periods of dense foliage. Identifying hazard beam cracks is an important aspect of tree risk assessment and should prompt appropriate management such as pruning, bracing, or removal to reduce potential risk.