Monte Dammarell introduced our speaker Chris Madison, a certified arborist and owner of Madison Tree Consulting in Bend. Jay Henderson representing Spring River Tree Service was available for questions. Jay can provide bids and referrals for tree service.
Chris presented an overview of tree risk assessment. A risk assessment may be needed for HOA rules, city ordinances, or residential safety. Large ponderosa trees in our area may be 200 – 400 years old. Healthy trees have aesthetic, environmental, and economic values. Risk assessment is a systematic process to identify potential hazards based on probability of occurrence and consequences. The assessor will recommend options for tree management.
A qualified tree risk assessor will be a member of American Society of Consulting Arborists and International Society of Arboriculture. Assessments may be performed by a limited visual, ground view, or advanced assessment using instruments. A standardized assessment form documents the details.
Questions: How to mitigate mistletoe? Mistletoe can be removed by pruning branches in the overstory. Some mistletoe can be retained for wildlife benefit. Wood chips can be spread to add nutrients and retain soil moisture.
Monte announced the next meeting has been rescheduled for June 27, 3:00 – 4:30 at the Sunriver Library. Our three Deschutes County commissioners will participate in a panel discussion with written questions submitted from the audience. You may also email your questions to udrc@udrc.org. The July 18 meeting will feature Della Mosier from ODOT and a recreation specialist from the Deschutes National Forest. Monte would like feedback on moving our meeting start time to 5 or 6 PM. This may allow more people to attend who are working during the day.