Dr. Kim D. Coder
Warnell School of Forest Resources
The University of Georgia
August 1996
The five components of life-long tree care are biology-first design, tree installation and establishment, young tree training, mature tree tune-ups, and risk management. A carefully prepared program of arboricultural practices that effectively moves from life stage to life stage is critical to quality management of trees. Through total quality management, arborists can generate a high quality of life for trees and tree owners.
One of the life stage management components that is most frequently overlooked is the training of young trees. Young trees can be pruned into biologically efficient forms that minimize the potential for future liability problems. The liability risks identified in mature trees can be easily corrected in young trees. Arborists need to market the value of their skills in training young trees.