Trees and shrubs are plants that, in addition to being found in their natural habitats, thanks to humans decorate gardens, as well as the streets of towns and cities. Without them, the air quality would undoubtedly be much lower than it is, which would make the health of all of us not the same.
For all this, it is interesting to know what is arboriculture and what does it study, especially if we plan to dedicate ourselves to the conservation and maintenance of urban flora.
What is it and what does it study?
Arboriculture is a science dedicated and specialized in caring for flora that has been planted in urban centers, specifically trees. Each specimen is managed individually to ensure that it lives as many years as possible with health and without having to worry - not excessively, at least - about pests and diseases.
Before this practice, trees were treated with little specific knowledge. They were pruned without rhyme or reason, which led the plants to a very sad outcome: leaf fall, stunted growth, death and subsequent fall, which in turn posed a significant risk to people.
What are its principles?
The principles of arboriculture are created so that urban trees are decorative elements, yes, but also so that they are plants that are really well cared for. Are these:
- The tree should not be harmed.
- Trees are living beings. The care they receive should minimize the risk of illness.
- They are complex organisms. Not only do they have natural defenses against some of the pests, but they are also part of a complex ecosystem in which they all interact.
- Caring for a stressed and aging tree requires more attention than caring for one that is young and healthy.
- It is important that human intervention is minimal. It will only be done if it is really necessary, that is, if, for example, there is a risk of a particular branch falling to the ground.
- It's better to prevent than to cure. Pruning is a job that, if done without respecting the cycles and natural structure of the tree, can make it sick. Therefore, it should only be pruned by specialized people.
Did you find it interesting? 🙂