SPRING SEMESTER 2002
Course Description: Urban Tree Care
This course is structured to help you become familiar with the principles and practices of urban tree care throughout the life of a tree. Topics covered include tree biology, urban environment affects on trees, benefits and challenges of urban trees, tree selection and planting, soil management techniques, pruning and training, tree protection, conflicts in the landscape, hazard tree assessment, and tree removal. You will also be introduced to urban forest management practices and concerns including tree inventories, tree ordinances, management plans, professional standards, as well as legal, political and community issues.
INSTRUCTOR:
Judith D.Caldwell, Ph.D., Horticulture
173 Plant and Animal Science Building
jcldwll@clemson.edu
864-656-4952
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Each of you will use the information from this course differently during your professional careers. Some of you will become certified arborists, practicing these skills your self or just as likely, manage other tree care professionals. Some will contract and/or supervise contracted tree care crews on job sites. Some may consult and educate clients about urban tree care. Regardless of your professional future, there are some common skills that you will be expected to master in this course. Each of you should be able to:
- Describe the growth and development of trees
- Explain the biological response of trees to arboricultural practices
- Identify stresses in the urban environment and tree response to that stress
- Write specifications for quality tree selection and/or recognize quality nursery stock
- Describe recommended planting techniques and understand how they enhance survival
- Recommend soil management practices that ameliorate urban tree soil conditions
- Recommend and/or recognize sound pruning and training practices
- Recognize potential conflicts (construction, utilities, turfgrass, etc.) for tress in the urban landscape
- Recommend protection practices that minimize affects from conflicts
- Assess the condition of a tree for potential hazards to persons or property
- Recommend corrective procedures for hazard trees including technical takedown
- Describe goals and basics of urban forest management plans, tree inventories, and tree ordinances
- Explain benefits and challenges of trees in the urban environment
- Discuss key legal, political and community issues that affect urban forestry
- Discuss career opportunities in urban forestry as well as current professional trends and issues
- Apply principles of tree care in problem solving situations(ask appropriate diagnostic questions, make reasonable recommendations, and/or prescribe preventative and/or corrective measures)
- Locate scientific,professional and/or trade references for effective use in developing educational materials or problem solving
FIELD TRIP AND SPECIAL TRANING SESSIONS:
Distance students are welcomed to join us for a day long field trip to Bartlett Tree Research Lab in Charlotte NC (usually late February/early March). Whenever possible, we will arrange for distance students to shadow and/or meet certified arborists in your area.
| GRADING:* |
| Undergraduates |
Points |
| Three (3) tests (80 points each) |
240(48%) |
450 to 500=A |
| Five of six quizzes (10 points each) |
50(10%) |
400 to 449=B |
| Class activities and assignments |
130(26%) |
350 to 399=C |
| Final Exam |
80(16%) |
300 to 349=D |
| |
500 |
<300 =F |
Grades for assignments turned in past the due dates may be dropped one letter grade for each class period beyond the due date.
| Graduate Students |
Points |
| Three (3) tests (80 points each) |
300(50%) |
450 to 500=A |
| Five of six quizzes (10 points each) |
50(8%) |
480 to 539=B |
| Class activities and assignments |
80(13%) |
420 to 479=C |
| Graduate Project |
70(12%) |
360 to 419=D |
| Final Exam |
100(17%) |
<360 =F |
| |
500 |
|
*Grading examples given here are based on past on-campus courses. Distance students may have a different breakdown with more emphasis on assignments and projects rather than proctored quizzes and tests.
COURSE MATERIAL:
- Arboriculture-Integrated management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs and Vines by Richard W. Harris. 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall.
- Clemson Urban Tree Care Course Web Site
- Supporting Professional Reading- American Forests, Arborists News, Journal of Arboriculture, Tree Care Industry, and Arbor Age
For Further Information Contact:
TELECAMPUS, P.O.Box 912 Clemson, S.C. 29633-0912
Telephone: 864-656-4465 FAX: 864-656-0183
Toll-free number: 1-800-922-8316(within SC),
1-800-332-6406(US)
Campus location: 346 Sirrine Hall
