Innovative Arboriculture and Tree Preservation

Roger 0:02

Talking Trees with Lillian Jad . Welcome to this episode of Talking Trees . Today we'll introduce Dr Arbol , an arboricultural company from Catalonia offering a diverse range of services , from tree health assessments and planting planning to innovative solutions for urban tree challenges . Let's dive into this inspiring example of modern arboriculture .

Jad 0:30

Hey everyone and welcome back for another deep dive . Today we're going to be talking about a pretty fascinating figure in the world of arboriculture .

Lilly 0:38

Okay .

Jad 0:39

Gerard Pissola and his network , Dr Arbol .

Lilly 0:41

Interesting .

Jad 0:42

And we're going to be focusing on their special works .

Lilly 0:43

Yeah , like the large tree transplantings and be focusing on their special works .

Jad 0:45

Yeah , like the large tree transplantings and their really unique ways of stabilizing trees .

Lilly 0:50

Cool .

Jad 0:50

So if you're an arborist , listening in this is going to be right up your alley .

Lilly 0:54

I think a lot of arborists are going to be interested in Pissola's approach .

Jad 0:58

For sure .

Lilly 0:58

It's refreshing to see someone who's not all about immediately jumping to transplanting .

Jad 1:03

Exactly .

Lilly 1:04

He really emphasizes finding ways to preserve trees right where they are .

Jad 1:09

You know he's been managing trees in big cities for the last decade and really advocating for this less invasive approach .

Lilly 1:15

It makes sense when you consider his background in risk assessment .

Jad 1:20

Oh , absolutely .

Lilly 1:21

His company Tree Investigation and Management . They're all about understanding the tree's condition before making any decisions . It's crucial , yeah , Especially when you're dealing with those big , mature trees we see in cities .

Jad 1:34

For sure , it's about long-term health , not just quick fixes .

Lilly 1:37

Exactly , but sometimes transplanting is unavoidable . It is .

Jad 1:42

And that's where Dr Arbol comes in .

Lilly 1:44

Right .

Jad 1:44

Perval says he's done hundreds of transplantings himself .

Lilly 1:47

Wow .

Jad 1:48

But Dr Arbol is a network of specialists .

Lilly 1:50

I see they can handle those really complex cases . What's interesting ?

Jad 1:54

about .

Lilly 1:54

Dr Arbol , is that it goes beyond the usual company structure .

Jad 1:58

Okay .

Lilly 1:59

It's more like a collective highly experienced professionals , each with their own specialized training , Coming together to share their knowledge and collaborate on these big projects .

Jad 2:10

That collective knowledge must be so valuable . It is Especially for something as delicate as transplanting a large tree . What does that actually involve ?

Lilly 2:18

Well , it's a really detailed process .

Jad 2:20

Yeah .

Lilly 2:21

You need a deep understanding of tree biology , but also soil science .

Jad 2:26

Makes sense .

Lilly 2:26

They plan each step meticulously .

Jad 2:30

Wow .

Lilly 2:30

Thinking about the root system , site preparation , even the care after the transplant .

Jad 2:36

It's like they're giving these trees the royal treatment .

Lilly 2:38

They are .

Jad 2:39

You know , it really got me interested , though their work on these specialized bracing systems Right For unique trees , fascinating stuff . It's not just basic cabling , they're creating custom solutions .

Lilly 2:52

They're not just trying to keep a tree upright , it's about helping it thrive .

Jad 2:56

Right .

Lilly 2:56

Even if it has structural weaknesses . Wow , it's about understanding the tree's anatomy its weaknesses and designing a support system just for it .

Jad 3:05

It's like engineering for a living structure . We're also doing research on physiotherapy for trees . What have they learned about how plants can help other plants ?

Lilly 3:13

It's a fascinating area . They're exploring how to use companion planting to create a supportive environment .

Jad 3:21

So like using nature to make urban trees stronger .

Lilly 3:25

Exactly .

Jad 3:25

That could really change things it could . It sounds like they're helping entire ecosystems .

Lilly 3:29

That's the goal .

Jad 3:31

What about these sensors for monitoring stability ?

Lilly 3:34

Oh , those are really interesting .

Jad 3:36

Yeah .

Lilly 3:36

They can pick up the slightest movements in a tree , especially important for high value trees in parks and urban areas .

Jad 3:43

That's like an early warning system .

Lilly 3:44

It is .

Jad 3:45

So you know about problems before you can see them .

Lilly 3:47

Precisely .

Jad 3:49

It's like they're giving trees a voice .

Lilly 3:51

I like that .

Jad 3:51

So they can tell us when they need help .

Lilly 3:53

They can .

Jad 3:54

That kind of risk management is really impressive .

Lilly 3:56

It is .

Jad 3:57

And it's all part of their philosophy of innovation , pushing the boundaries of tree care . Another example of that is their work with the . That's a good one . I was hoping you'd bring that up .

Lilly 4:08

It's a great example .

Jad 4:09

What exactly is it ?

Lilly 4:10

Well , it's a planting system . Okay . It creates a better environment for trees in tough urban conditions . It deals with things like compacted soil Right , poor drainage .

Jad 4:20

Yeah .

Lilly 4:20

And limited space for roots All those challenges trees face in the city .

Jad 4:25

It sounds like they're really giving these trees a fighting chance . It really does . It really giving these trees a fighting chance ? It really does . It's like they're always searching for a better way to help trees survive in the city .

Lilly 4:34

In those sometimes really tough urban environments .

Jad 4:37

Exactly so . You know , we've talked about their philosophy .

Lilly 4:40

Yeah .

Jad 4:40

But what about some actual examples of their projects ?

Lilly 4:43

Oh , there's some really interesting ones .

Jad 4:44

I bet . What are some that stand out to you ?

Lilly 4:47

Well , one that comes to mind is their work transplanting mature trees . I mean , most arborists wouldn't even try to move trees that big .

Jad 4:55

Yeah , especially once they reach a certain age .

Lilly 4:57

Right . But , dr Arbol , they seem to enjoy those challenges .

Jad 5:00

I can imagine the logistics must be incredible .

Lilly 5:03

It's a huge undertaking .

Jad 5:05

Moving a tree that's been in the same place for decades .

Lilly 5:07

Sometimes centuries .

Jad 5:09

Wow .

Lilly 5:09

It takes a really careful approach . Yeah , you have to excavate the root system so meticulously .

Jad 5:16

And that can be huge .

Lilly 5:17

It really can . It spreads much farther than you might think .

Jad 5:21

I bet , and they use all this special equipment to make sure they don't damage anything during transport .

Lilly 5:26

Exactly , it's like a dance , yeah , between man and nature .

Jad 5:29

Trying to make sure the tree survives this huge change .

Lilly 5:32

And their success rate is amazing .

Jad 5:35

Really .

Lilly 5:35

They've moved trees that everyone thought were impossible .

Jad 5:38

That's incredible . Do you have any examples ?

Lilly 5:40

Sure , there's one case that's really impressive .

Jad 5:42

Okay .

Lilly 5:43

This monumental oak tree Okay , over a hundred years old , wow . And it was in an area that was going to be developed and they were tasked with moving it to a nearby park .

Jad 5:54

That must have been a massive project . Oh , it was enormous , you can't even imagine .

Lilly 5:58

They had to carefully remove that massive root system .

Jad 6:01

Yeah .

Lilly 6:02

And then transport it on this huge flatbed truck , oh wow . And then prepare a new planting hole in the park .

Jad 6:08

It's like a scene out of a nature documentary .

Lilly 6:11

It really is this ancient tree on this big journey In a new life Exactly , and it shows how committed they are to preserving these trees .

Jad 6:20

Not just as individual trees . But as living monuments it's amazing , and we see that same dedication in their work with bracing systems , absolutely . You know we touched on that earlier , but I'd love to hear more about those unique challenges when you're trying to stabilize a tree with some weaknesses .

Lilly 6:36

Yeah , so often those weaknesses , they come from things like decay .

Jad 6:40

Right .

Lilly 6:40

Or storm damage Right , or even just the way the tree grew .

Jad 6:44

Oh , like co-dominant stems .

Lilly 6:46

Exactly , and in those cases just regular bracing might not be enough .

Jad 6:51

So what do they do ?

Lilly 6:52

They have to get really creative . They design custom bracing systems .

Jad 6:56

Oh , wow .

Lilly 6:57

Specifically for that tree .

Jad 6:59

That's incredible .

Lilly 7:00

And they use all sorts of materials yeah , steel cables and rods , even synthetic webbing Interesting . And they have to consider everything .

Jad 7:09

Yeah .

Lilly 7:09

The wind load the environment around the tree .

Jad 7:11

It's like they're architects .

Lilly 7:13

They're really pushing the boundaries .

Jad 7:14

Yeah .

Lilly 7:14

Sometimes they even use computer modeling .

Jad 7:16

Right .

Lilly 7:17

To see how the tree will handle stress .

Jad 7:19

That's so cool .

Lilly 7:19

And to make sure their designs are the best they can be .

Jad 7:23

Can you give me some examples ?

Lilly 7:24

Of course . So one that stands out is this giant sequoia tree .

Jad 7:29

Okay .

Lilly 7:30

It had this massive split in its trunk . Oh , no it looked like it was going to tear in half .

Jad 7:36

Wow .

Lilly 7:36

So they created this dynamic bracing system with steel cables and rods .

Jad 7:42

Okay .

Lilly 7:42

And it let the tree move in the wind , yeah , but it kept that split from getting worse .

Jad 7:47

That's amazing . Yeah , so they're basically holding this giant tree together .

Lilly 7:51

They are , with their ingenuity and their expertise that sequoia is still standing strong .

Jad 7:56

That's amazing .

Lilly 7:57

Proof that their approach really works .

Jad 7:59

It's so inspiring to see these examples .

Lilly 8:01

Yeah .

Jad 8:02

It shows how much they understand about trees .

Lilly 8:05

And how passionate they are about protecting them .

Jad 8:07

They're not just treating them like objects , they're respecting them .

Lilly 8:10

They're not just arborists treating them like objects they're respecting them .

Jad 8:13

They're not just arborists , no , they're tree advocates Pushing the boundaries of what's possible . They are so as we move into the last part of our deep dive , Okay . I think it's time to think about the bigger picture .

Lilly 8:21

Yeah .

Jad 8:22

What can we all learn from their work ? Pasola and Dr Arbol really set a high bar they do . Their work is just so impressive .

Lilly 8:31

It really makes you think .

Jad 8:32

About how we can all step up our game .

Lilly 8:34

As arborists . Well , I think one of the biggest takeaways .

Jad 8:38

Yeah .

Lilly 8:38

Is the importance of always learning . Hustle is always seeking new knowledge .

Jad 8:44

He really is .

Lilly 8:44

Always questioning the conventional wisdom .

Jad 8:47

Always pushing the boundaries .

Lilly 8:48

And that's something we can all do .

Jad 8:50

It's a great reminder to never get complacent .

Lilly 8:52

Yeah , this field is constantly evolving .

Jad 8:55

There's always something new to learn .

Lilly 8:56

Exactly .

Jad 8:57

Another thing we can learn from Dr Abul .

Lilly 8:59

Yeah .

Jad 9:00

Is the power of working together . Collaboration yeah , it's the foundation of their success .

Lilly 9:08

They've brought together all these specialists yeah , different fields coming together To tackle these complex problems . And it works .

Jad 9:13

It does and we can do the same .

Lilly 9:15

Share our experiences .

Jad 9:17

Get input from colleagues .

Lilly 9:19

Build relationships .

Jad 9:20

Especially now .

Lilly 9:21

With climate change .

Jad 9:22

Development pressures .

Lilly 9:24

We need to work together .

Jad 9:26

More than ever .

Lilly 9:26

And we can't forget the challenges within our industry . The things Pasola has talked about .

Jad 9:31

The big companies focused on profits . Yeah , inconsistent certification standards .

Lilly 9:36

Those are serious issues .

Jad 9:37

We need to raise the bar as a profession . Advocate for higher standards .

Lilly 9:42

Ethical practices .

Jad 9:43

A real commitment to tree health .

Lilly 9:45

And that brings us to Passola's message about honesty .

Jad 9:49

Integrity .

Lilly 9:50

Being true to our profession .

Jad 9:52

We need to be advocates for trees not just focus on quick fixes or profits . We need to think long term make ethical decisions use our knowledge responsibly do what's best for the trees every time . It's about being honest with our clients to explaining the complexities , advocating for solutions that are sustainable and scientifically sound complexities , advocating for solutions that are sustainable and scientifically sound .

Championing Urban Arboriculture

Lilly 10:13

So , as we wrap up this deep dive , into the world of Gerard Pissola and Dr Arbolt .

Jad 10:18

I hope you're feeling inspired .

Lilly 10:19

We've seen what's possible when innovation and collaboration come together .

Jad 10:23

With a deep respect for trees it's amazing what they've accomplished . Now it's our turn to take those lessons and apply them to our own work .

Lilly 10:31

Let's be the best arborists we can be .

Jad 10:33

Champions for trees .

Lilly 10:35

Creating a future when ?

Jad 10:36

our urban forests thrive .

Lilly 10:38

Keep learning .

Jad 10:39

Keep growing .

Lilly 10:40

And keep those trees standing tall .

Roger 10:46

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Talking Trees . If you enjoyed learning about Dr Arbel and their work in urban arboriculture , don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes . Thank you , we appreciate your time and passion for trees and we can't wait to bring you more inspiring stories next time . Until then , take care and keep growing your connection with nature .