Tree Selection with Arborist Christine Rampling
                                     (22 May 2014)

I love plants and the people you inevitably meet who also share this passion (surely it must be one’s destiny to do so). Recently I met fellow plant nut and arborist Christine Rampling from Southern District Tree Services, and got to chatting with her about everything tree related, particularly in regards to tree selection.

 
Christine has a holistic approach to tree selection and maintenance, believing that a good arborist has the ability to bring trees and infrastructure as close together as possible with minimal compromise. She says it is possible to maintain the health, structure and vitality of a tree while at the same time allowing maximum enjoyment and minimal maintenance for its owner.  Christine is an advocate of tree retention where possible, promoting the value and beauty of trees and the distinct sense of place they engender.


Christine recommends the following when selecting a tree/s for your garden:

• Research and planning is the key to tree success.
  

• What are its primary function/s? For instance, is it for shade, screening, flowers, autumn colour or shape, as a feature, to attract wildlife, or perhaps, as a memorial? 
  

• What are local climatic and edaphic conditions specific to your area? I.e. soil type and structure, exposure, rainfall/irrigation, frost/drought, position etc.
  

And in regards to specimen selection:

• Choose a stout, healthy tree with dense foliage and good strong leaf colour (if not dormant of course).
  

• Lots of flowers isn't necessarily a good sign - can be stress related as plants are sometimes known to flower and seed prolifically before their death to ensure longevity of the species).
  

• Avoid trees with any signs of girdling roots, or those which have been freshly potted.
  

Lastly, when it comes to planting and aftercare:

• Ensure soil level when planting matches that of the pot in which you buy it; gently loosen and unwind any girdling roots as necessary; build a little moat to stop run off in drier gardens; water-in well and mulch.
  

• Staking and tying - avoid where possible and not too tightly (allow for swaying and strengthening and remove as soon as appropriate); use soft non-abrasive ties.
  

• Irrigate regularly, particularly when establishing and over prolonged, dry periods. 
  

• Avoid synthetic fertilisers, sticking to soil conditioners such as Seasol or Charlie Carp. 
  

• Pruning - less is more - the less you prune the more 'food' a tree can make for itself (pruning can be likened to putting a tree on a diet, potentially removing essential nutrients to its detriment). One good formative prune when it is a sapling is generally enough to set it up for life. Only remove dead, damaged, diseased, rubbing or duplicate limbs.
  

If you are interested in learning more about trees and their care, Christine suggests checking out literature by Claus Mattheck, who uses characters Stupsi and Pauli Bear to clearly explain tree biomechanics. For something more in depth, she recommends beautifully written text, Touch Trees, by Alex Shigo.