Many times as arborists we are presented with problems. In solving these problems, there is a diagnostic track that we follow, on which we are propelled forward with our knowledge of trees. Every now and then, as we travel along the arboricultural path, we get stuck. In a sense, we lose familiarity with the object we are dealing with here, the tree. We need to go deeper into that understanding of the tree, to get past the ‘stuckness’.

Before I go off the deep end, I’d like to say that this post was inspired by a passage from Pursig’s book ‘Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’, which I am still reading. Pursig sheds light on this concept: to not view an object simply as an object, but rather, as a collection of functions, in order to enhance the problem solving process.

What a convenient way to describe the trees we deal with everyday. Not as objects, but as a collection of functions. This works on several levels. First, it lends well to the diagnostic track I have just mentioned. When we look at a tree’s separate functions (nutrient uptake, anchorage, decay and the compartmentalization of decay, photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration and many more biological processes that I know nothing about), we can better identify what is wrong with the tree, where it is struggling, what it is struggling with. We know the signs. After all, many times plant health care is concerned with plant functions either not working properly, working more than they should be, or not at all. I also believe that if we understand the collective functions of the tree, we can educate tree owners better. Remember, they are really stuck on seeing the object of the tree, rather than the sum of its parts. We are guilty of it too.

The Stuckness. (Also a concept of Pursig’s)

It’s very rare that trees with absolutely nothing wrong with them need any problem solving. When this stuckness occurs though: when trees are failing, either in health or in vigor or in structure. When the questions arise and the mind races: Insect infestations? Nutrient supplementation? Root Desiccation? Fungal situations? Biological resuscitations? Apical necessitation? The tree forever collapses upon itself into it’s microscopic functions. The root, the stem, the leaves, the twigs and the buds. And the cells and beyond. Every single part of these trees on earth contains processes and functions that are affected everyday by the environment, either good or bad. The tree is a system of systems.

Nothing is ever wrong with the tree.