UKTC Archive

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ian Brewster 
  To: UK Tree Care 
  Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 7:00 AM
  Subject: [Bulk] RE: Safety Inspections and Ivy/Undergrowth



  IB: I recall an Ivy smothered Holly, after
  severance, the tree remains 'sickly looking' after 20 years reprieve. 

  Bill: Doesn't that suggest it wasn't the Ivy causing the 
sickly-looking-ness Ian?

  IB: Yes, and perhaps to be regarded more as an indicator of a tree already 
in the throws of decline by other forces at work.

  SC:  It also raises the question of what "decline" is.  Literally it should 
be a decrease in condition (appearance, vitality, vigour, whatever) from some 
baseline.  We typically think of declines as progressive to mortality.  But 
20 years suggests a plateau.  Was it a runt to start with?  Was it once a 
full crown that was shaded out by the ivy but otherwise healthy?  Is it 
anamolus among hollies that it did not resprout upon realease or typical of 
hollies that age.  I've always though that a slow growth rate, if steady, is 
neither a decline nor necessarily an indicator of poor condition.  Old 
specimens get really old by slow, steady growth.  Whether we like their 
appearance is very if not entirely subjective.

  Scott 


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