In the fall of 2017, Bartlett Tree Experts conducted an inventory of trees along selected Rights-of-way in the City of Aiken. We identified 4,246 trees which included 94 species. The attributes that we collected include tree latitude and longitude, size, age and condition class, and a visual assessment of tree structure, health, and vigor.

Tree Risk Assessments and Mitigation

Perform the recommended tree risk mitigation activities for the 230 trees ( 5%) which we found defects or concerns that prompted the need to use the International Society of Arboriculture’ s ( ISA) risk matrices in the field. Risk mitigation activities will comply with current ANSI A300 standard practices.

Soil Sampling

Taking soil samples throughout planting beds and actively managed areas. Soil analysis provides information on the presence of soil nutrients, pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity.

Bulk Density Sampling

Taking bulk density samples throughout planting beds and actively managed areas to determine the amount of soil compaction.

Soil Rx®

Apply Bartlett’ s Soil Rx® program to 185 trees ( 4%) to correct nutrient deficiencies and optimize soil conditions for the designated trees.

Root Invigoration™

Perform Bartlett’ s patented Root Invigoration™ on 144 trees (3%) to improve aeration and promote more efficient root growth, especially for high- value trees in disturbed areas.

Mulching

Wherever possible, apply 2-4 inches of mulch within the root zone to help moderate soil temperatures, reduce soil moisture loss, reduce soil compaction, provide nutrients, improve soil structure, and keep mowers and string trimmers away from tree trunks. The best mulch materials are wood chips, bark nuggets, composted leaves, or pine needles. To avoid potential disease problems, mulch should not be placed directly against the trunk. 

Root Collar Excavations

Perform root collar excavations to 1,585 trees ( 37%) to lower risk of damaging conditions such as girdling roots, basal cankers, masking of root decay and lower-stem decay, and predisposing trees to various insect and disease pests.

Plant Health Care (PHC)

Implement Bartlett’ s PHC program to monitor pests and diseases on the subject trees. Treatments are therapeutic and preventive, and treatment timing is based on pest life cycle.

Pruning

Prune 2,313 trees ( 54%) for safety, health, structure, and appearance. Pruning will comply with current ANSI A300 standard practices for pruning.

Structural Support

There are structural support system recommendations for 53 trees ( 1%) to reduce risk of branch or whole tree failure. All structural support systems will comply with current ANSI A300 standard practices for supplemental support systems.

Lightning Protection

There are lightning protection system recommendations for 3 trees (< 1%) to try and intercept lightning strikes and conduct them to the ground. All Lightning protection systems will comply with current ANSI A300 standard practices for lightning protection systems.

Removals

Remove 287 trees (7%) due to condition or because of their location in relation to other trees to try and prevent competition or damage to infrastructure.

Tree Risk Advanced Assessments ( Level 3)

Provide tree risk advanced assessments for 91 trees ( 2%) to evaluate the impact of wood decay that shows potential for failure.

Vine Removal

Remove vines from 173 trees ( 4%) to try and prevent them from hiding defects.