ANSI A300 Standard PracticesANSI A300 Standard Practices

Putting A300 StandardsPutting A300 Standards to Good Use

Gordon Mann Consulting ArboristGordon Mann, Consulting Arborist

PurposePurposePurposePurpose

Familiarize our members and constituentsFamiliarize our members and constituentsFamiliarize our members and constituents Familiarize our members and constituents with ANSI A300 with ANSI A300

Promote and support the incorporation of Promote and support the incorporation of h d d i ih d d i ithe standards into community use the standards into community use ––

ordinances, policies, practices, permit ordinances, policies, practices, permit di i d ldi i d lconditions, and management plans.conditions, and management plans.

OutlineOutlineOutlineOutline

Trees are InfrastructureTrees are InfrastructureTrees are InfrastructureTrees are InfrastructureWhat is a StandardWhat is a Standard

h i A S d A300h i A S d A300What is ANSI and A300What is ANSI and A300Examples to use A300Examples to use A300ConclusionConclusion

What is a standard?What is a standard?

“something established by authority, something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, q y, g ,extent, value, or quality”“a model or example to be followed: pa definite level or degree of quality that is proper and adequate for a

ifi ” 2000 Mspecific purpose” - 2000 Merriam-Webster ©

What is a standard? (cont.)What is a standard? (cont.)

a set of characteristics or qualities a set of characteristics or qualities that describes features of a product, process or serviceprocess or service“Something, such as a practice or a product that is widely recognized or product that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence ” Th A i H it ® excellence. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

Why Standards?Why Standards?Promote most proven tree care practicesEmbody professionalismEnhance communication between clients, field personnel and office staff and the field personnel and office staff, and the publicReduce miscommunication between all of Reduce miscommunication between all of the aboveEducate the publicpFacilitate contractual fulfillmentReduce liability exposure

American National American National Standards

Institute (ANSI)Institute (ANSI)A federation of organizations, A federation of organizations, associations/societies, governmental agencies, international bodies, etc.agencies, international bodies, etc.Oversees the development, creation, promulgation and use of thousands promulgation and use of thousands of standards that directly impact industries in nearly every sector industries in nearly every sector.

WHATWHAT IS ANSI (cont.)IS ANSI (cont.)WHATWHAT IS ANSI (cont.)IS ANSI (cont.)ANSI does not develop standards; they accredit committees with they accredit committees with expertise in a particular subject area to develop standards relating to that to develop standards relating to that industry. ANSI A300 standards are developed ANSI A300 standards are developed by a committee, the ASC A300.the ASC A300 was approved June pp28, 1991To maintain accreditation, the committee must comply with ANSI procedures.

Accredited Standards Accredited Standards Committees

are used in many industries when a standard affects a broad range of ginterests; or where multiple associations or where multiple associations or societies with similar interests existare administered by a secretariat are administered by a secretariat (TCIA) to ensure compliance with ANSI operating proceduresANSI operating procedures

Development of ANSI Standards Development of ANSI Standards involves:

Industry professionals (public and private sectors)Transparency, due process, cooperation, compromise and p pconsensus among stakeholders.

ASC A300 Committee:ASC A300 Committee:

ALCA NPSALCA ANLA

NPSPGMSPLCAASCA

ASLA

PLCASMA

Asplundh Bartlett

USFSTCIABartlett

Davey ISA

TCIAUAA

ISA

The A300 CommitteeThe A300 CommitteeThe A300 CommitteeThe A300 Committee

ConsensusConsensus all or the vast majority of the ConsensusConsensus:: all, or the vast majority, of the committee come to an agreement on every line in the standardline in the standard.

The Tree Care Industrydeveloped: developed: ANSI A300 Tree Care Operations: Standard Practices for Tree Shrub Practices for Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant yMaintenance

Currently, there are 7 parts

ANSI Standards –d d d lCurrent and under development

Part 1 Pruning (2008)Part 1 - Pruning (2008)Part 2 - Fertilization (2004)Part 3 - Tree Support Systems (2006)Part 4 - Lightning Protection Systems g g y(2008)Part 5 - Tree Protection (Construction) Part 5 Tree Protection (Construction) (2005)

Part 6 – Transplanting (2005)Part 7 - Integrated Vegetation Mgmt. (2006)Part 8 - Soil Management*Part 9 - Risk Management*gPart 10 - Pest Management**

* In draft stage** In discussion stage** In discussion stage

ANSI A300 Documents:ANSI A300 Documents:

The current standard for developing written e cu e t sta da d o de e op g ttespecifications for tree care practices. Consists of standardized language, d fi i i h d i definitions, methods, practices (requirements, recommendations and limitations) to develop job specifications.limitations) to develop job specifications.Protects the consumer, Aligns the industry’s services, Aligns the industry s services, Standardizes tree care operations, andProvides a level playing field.p y g

A300A300A300A300Takes precedence over all previously a es p ecede ce o e a p e ous yexisting tree care industry standards. Are still voluntary—not rules or

l iregulations.Some governmental agencies reference them in local or regional ordinances or them in local or regional ordinances or have enacted them as law.The federal government encourages The federal government encourages adoption of ANSI standards in its agencies.

A300A300A300A300

Serves as standard for federal, state, Serves as standard for federal, state, municipal and private entities, including arborists, property owners, property managers, and utilities in the development of their management specifications.Applies to any person or entity engaged in the management of trees, shrubs, or other woody plants (whether they know it or woody plants (whether they know it or not).

Another Familiar ANSI Another Familiar ANSI S d dS d dStandardStandard

Z133.1Z133.1Safety Requirements for Safety Requirements for Safety Requirements for Safety Requirements for Arboricultural operationsArboricultural operationsPurpose is to provide safety Purpose is to provide safety Purpose is to provide safety Purpose is to provide safety criteria for arborists, other criteria for arborists, other workers and the publicworkers and the publicworkers and the publicworkers and the publicUsed by OSHA at federal and Used by OSHA at federal and t t l lt t l lstate levelstate level

Designed for Municipal Tree CareDesigned for Municipal Tree CareDesigned for Municipal Tree CareDesigned for Municipal Tree CareThe A300 standards apply exclusively to the The A300 standards apply exclusively to the management of "woody landscape plants "management of "woody landscape plants "management of woody landscape plants. management of woody landscape plants. "The [A300] standard does not apply to agriculture, "The [A300] standard does not apply to agriculture, horticultural production or silviculture except wherehorticultural production or silviculture except wherehorticultural production, or silviculture, except where horticultural production, or silviculture, except where explicitly noted otherwise." (p.ii, Forward) explicitly noted otherwise." (p.ii, Forward) The goals of pruning for these divisions of The goals of pruning for these divisions of e go s o p u g o ese d v s o s oe go s o p u g o ese d v s o s oarboriculture/forestry (for production of wood, food, arboriculture/forestry (for production of wood, food, or forest products) might well requireor forest products) might well require very different very different pruning methods and the removal of more live foliage pruning methods and the removal of more live foliage or wood than would be advisable when pruning or wood than would be advisable when pruning

d l d l t h b f td l d l t h b f twoody landscape plants such as our urban forest woody landscape plants such as our urban forest trees.trees.

How Can We Use A300?How Can We Use A300?How Can We Use A300?How Can We Use A300?"A300 Pruning standards are performance "A300 Pruning standards are performance

d d d h lld d d h ll b d j bb d j bstandards and shallstandards and shall notnot be used as job be used as job specifications."specifications." (p.11, Annex B ) (p.11, Annex B ) "These standards [the A300] are used to "These standards [the A300] are used to develop written specifications for work develop written specifications for work assignments. assignments. They are They are notnot intended to be intended to be used as specifications in and of used as specifications in and of themselves.themselves. (p.ii, Forward)(p.ii, Forward)

Then how can it be enforced?Then how can it be enforced?

ANSI A300 Standards consist ANSI A300 Standards consist of a number of “shall” and

“should” statements:

Shall: is "a mandatory requirement." A mandatory requirement is not optional and must be followed for ANSI A300 compliance.

Shall vs. ShouldShall vs. ShouldShall vs. ShouldShall vs. Should

Should: is an advisory recommendation which may be ydeviated from when defensible reasons or valid justifications for reasons or valid justifications for non-compliance exist.

Writing Specifications or LawsWriting Specifications or LawsWriting Specifications or LawsWriting Specifications or Laws

The word "should" is used in some areas of theThe word "should" is used in some areas of theThe word should is used in some areas of the The word should is used in some areas of the A300 standards, but isA300 standards, but is notnot used in used in specifications or lawsspecifications or lawsspecifications or lawsspecifications or laws. .

Th d " h ll" i d i ifi i dTh d " h ll" i d i ifi i dThe word "shall" is used in specifications and The word "shall" is used in specifications and laws.laws.

Using A300 in Specifications and LawsUsing A300 in Specifications and LawsUsing A300 in Specifications and LawsUsing A300 in Specifications and LawsSpecifications and Laws could include two Specifications and Laws could include two

approaches to incorporate A300:approaches to incorporate A300:approaches to incorporate A300: approaches to incorporate A300: 1) that "all work shall be completed in 1) that "all work shall be completed in accordance with ANSI A300 standards;"accordance with ANSI A300 standards;"accordance with ANSI A300 standards;" accordance with ANSI A300 standards;"

2) all ANSI A300 "advisory recommendations"2) all ANSI A300 "advisory recommendations"2) all ANSI A300 advisory recommendations 2) all ANSI A300 advisory recommendations must be either adhered tomust be either adhered to oror defensible/valid defensible/valid reasons be given for nonreasons be given for non--compliance.compliance.gg pp

When no "When no "shouldsshoulds" remain" remain the A300the A300When no When no shouldsshoulds remain, remain, the A300 the A300 becomes enforceablebecomes enforceable..

Other Examples ofOther Examples of Language for Language for Including ANSI A300 Pruning Including ANSI A300 Pruning

Standards into our Communities:Standards into our Communities:Standards into our Communities:Standards into our Communities:

Work shall be performed in accordance withWork shall be performed in accordance withWork shall be performed in accordance with Work shall be performed in accordance with the current version of the ANSI A300 the current version of the ANSI A300 standards and to the following specifications:standards and to the following specifications:standards and to the following specifications: standards and to the following specifications: (list of specific parts or clear descriptions (list of specific parts or clear descriptions follows)follows)follows)follows)

Examples of Language (cont.)Examples of Language (cont.)Examples of Language (cont.)Examples of Language (cont.)The City recognizes the most current version of The City recognizes the most current version of

h ANSI A300 P i S d d hh ANSI A300 P i S d d hthe ANSI A300 Pruning Standards as the the ANSI A300 Pruning Standards as the performance standard for pruning all trees performance standard for pruning all trees

l d b di i h h f ll il d b di i h h f ll iregulated by ordinance with the following regulated by ordinance with the following exceptions:exceptions:Espalier and pollarding are not acceptable Espalier and pollarding are not acceptable pruning practices.pruning practices.Specifications for pruning shall be verbal or Specifications for pruning shall be verbal or written, developed and administered by an written, developed and administered by an , p y, p yarborist [or qualified person] for all work arborist [or qualified person] for all work performed.performed.

Examples of Language (cont.)Examples of Language (cont.)Examples of Language (cont.)Examples of Language (cont.)

Work shall be performed in accordance withWork shall be performed in accordance withWork shall be performed in accordance with Work shall be performed in accordance with A300 standards following specifications which A300 standards following specifications which accomplish the objective(s) for pruning theaccomplish the objective(s) for pruning theaccomplish the objective(s) for pruning the accomplish the objective(s) for pruning the particular tree(s):particular tree(s):

Objectives State the WhyObjectives State the WhyObjectives State the WhyObjectives State the WhyWhy is the work is being performed Why is the work is being performed -- it must be it must be

specific enough to guide the performance ofspecific enough to guide the performance ofspecific enough to guide the performance of specific enough to guide the performance of work.work.

I can’t say: The objective is “to prune” or “to I can’t say: The objective is “to prune” or “to maintain” the tree. This doesn’t create a clear enough maintain” the tree. This doesn’t create a clear enough goal or outcome for how the work will be performed.goal or outcome for how the work will be performed.goal or outcome for how the work will be performed. goal or outcome for how the work will be performed.

I can say: The objective is: to reduce risk while I can say: The objective is: to reduce risk while l i l ibl idl i l ibl idleaving as large a tree as possible; or provide leaving as large a tree as possible; or provide clearance in the rightclearance in the right--ofof--way of 13 feet over the street way of 13 feet over the street and 8 feet over the sidewalk; or reduce the presence and 8 feet over the sidewalk; or reduce the presence of disease and parasites; or combinations of the of disease and parasites; or combinations of the above; or other valid objectives.above; or other valid objectives.

Objectives for pruning:Objectives for pruning:Reduce risk from falling branchesReduce risk from major structural defectsReduce disease and pestsReduce density of live branchesReduce density of live branchesProvide clearanceIncrease light levels below & reduce wind resistanceRestore damaged treesReduce height and or spreadReduce height and or spreadImprove aestheticsYour reason for making a cut to a tree branch …

Specifications:Specifications:

Should be written and shall state Should be written and shall state objective(s).Identify the tree(s) on which work Identify the tree(s) on which work is to be done.Specif the method(s) of p ning to Specify the method(s) of pruning to be used to meet objective(s).Define E tent of p ning Define: Extent of pruning,

Location of pruning in the tree or parts to be prunedor parts to be pruned.

Other information to include:Other information to include:

Size range of parts to be removedPercentage of foliage to be removed.Portion of crown where pruning will Portion of crown where pruning will be done.Maximum size of pruning cutsMaximum size of pruning cuts.Vertical clearance height(s).Branch aspect ratios of reduction cuts.Follow-up pruning

The list is specific for a tree or The list is specific for a tree or group of treesgroup of trees

The objectives state why we are working onThe objectives state why we are working onThe objectives state why we are working on The objectives state why we are working on the treethe tree

They speak to the benefits to the tree from the They speak to the benefits to the tree from the kkworkwork

The descriptions are specific and provide The descriptions are specific and provide measurable termsmeasurable terms

A300 and RegulationsA300 and RegulationsA300 and RegulationsA300 and Regulations

The key to the current ANSI A300 Pruning is theThe key to the current ANSI A300 Pruning is theThe key to the current ANSI A300 Pruning is the The key to the current ANSI A300 Pruning is the requirement for pruning objectives and requirement for pruning objectives and specifications Specific Language:specifications Specific Language:specifications. Specific Language:specifications. Specific Language:

2.3.2 Pruning specifications shall be adhered to.2.3.2 Pruning specifications shall be adhered to.6 1 P i Obj i h ll b bli h d6 1 P i Obj i h ll b bli h d6.1 Pruning Objectives shall be established 6.1 Pruning Objectives shall be established

prior to beginning any pruning operation.prior to beginning any pruning operation.7.1 One of more of the following methods 7.1 One of more of the following methods

shall be specified to achieve the objectiveshall be specified to achieve the objectiveshall be specified to achieve the objective.shall be specified to achieve the objective.

Pruning methods: One or more of the Pruning methods: One or more of the following methods shall be specified to achieve the objective(s).achieve the objective(s).

Clean: pruning to remove one or more of the following non-beneficial parts: dead the following non beneficial parts: dead, diseased and/or broken branches.

Thin: selective pruning to reduce density of p g ylive branches.

Reduce: pruning to decrease height and/or d (b h ) spread (branch or crown).

Raise: pruning to provide vertical clearance clearance.

EnforcementEnforcementEnforcementEnforcement

If someone prunes a tree without an objective,If someone prunes a tree without an objective,If someone prunes a tree without an objective, If someone prunes a tree without an objective, or if the objective and methods don’t align, or if the objective and methods don’t align, how can they be complying with the how can they be complying with the y p y gy p y gstandards?standards?

If they don’t have a written objective or If they don’t have a written objective or specification, they can be interviewed. specification, they can be interviewed. p yp yWrite down their statement, and have them Write down their statement, and have them sign it as part of the investigation.sign it as part of the investigation.

Long Term ThinkingLong Term ThinkingLong Term ThinkingLong Term ThinkingWhich is a better strategy for long term success?Which is a better strategy for long term success?

A)A) Set the rules to chase and bust the (hopefully Set the rules to chase and bust the (hopefully h i i ) i i b ih i i ) i i b ithe minority) poor practicing businesses. the minority) poor practicing businesses.

B)B) Educate the public and responsible Educate the public and responsible businesses in proper work. Set a high bar.businesses in proper work. Set a high bar.

C)C) Wish everyone would do everything in the Wish everyone would do everything in the )) y y gy y gproper manner.proper manner.

D)D) Set the fines high enough to fund your treeSet the fines high enough to fund your treeD)D) Set the fines high enough to fund your tree Set the fines high enough to fund your tree planting program.planting program.

A300 in UseA300 in UseTree Preservation OrdinanceTree Preservation Ordinance –– permit required to permit required to prune or remove trees; pruning performed to prune or remove trees; pruning performed to specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300Street Tree OrdinanceStreet Tree Ordinance –– permit required to plant, permit required to plant, prune, treat, or remove trees; pruning performed to prune, treat, or remove trees; pruning performed to

ifi i i i d i h ANSI A300ifi i i i d i h ANSI A300specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300Bid SpecificationsBid Specifications –– Pruning work shall be Pruning work shall be performed in accordance with the current version ofperformed in accordance with the current version ofperformed in accordance with the current version of performed in accordance with the current version of the ANSI A300 standards and to the following the ANSI A300 standards and to the following specifications: (list follows)specifications: (list follows)Construction Plans and Tree Preservation PlansConstruction Plans and Tree Preservation PlansConstruction Plans and Tree Preservation PlansConstruction Plans and Tree Preservation Plans ––care and pruning; pruning performed to specifications care and pruning; pruning performed to specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300written in accordance with ANSI A300Permit ConditionsPermit Conditions -- pruning performed to pruning performed to specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300 specifications written in accordance with ANSI A300

A300 in Use (cont.)A300 in Use (cont.)Verified Tree Care Company ListVerified Tree Care Company List requiredrequired information information ––

voluntary participationvoluntary participation::Current fullCurrent full--time Certified Arborist or Board Certified Mastertime Certified Arborist or Board Certified MasterCurrent fullCurrent full time Certified Arborist or Board Certified Master time Certified Arborist or Board Certified Master Arborist on staff, (Certified Tree workers will be noted as a bonus Arborist on staff, (Certified Tree workers will be noted as a bonus listing)listing)Current City Business LicenseCurrent City Business LicenseCurrent City Business LicenseCurrent City Business LicenseCurrent State Contractors License (required for any job greater than Current State Contractors License (required for any job greater than $500), CA Law, not enforced by City$500), CA Law, not enforced by CityEvidence of liability and workers compensation insuranceEvidence of liability and workers compensation insuranceEvidence of liability and workers compensation insurance. Evidence of liability and workers compensation insurance. Certificates of insurance naming the City as additional insured will Certificates of insurance naming the City as additional insured will be needed to perform permitted work on Citybe needed to perform permitted work on City--owned trees. owned trees. Sign Agreement to educate their City customers about the City’sSign Agreement to educate their City customers about the City’sSign Agreement to educate their City customers about the City s Sign Agreement to educate their City customers about the City s tree permit processes.tree permit processes.Sign Agreement to follow City’s codes for tree permit processes and Sign Agreement to follow City’s codes for tree permit processes and tree replacement.tree replacement.tree replacement.tree replacement.Sign Agreement to perform pruning work to specifications written Sign Agreement to perform pruning work to specifications written in accordance with ANSI Ain accordance with ANSI A--300 Pruning Standards300 Pruning Standards

SummarySummarySummarySummary

It is up to the municipal arborists to set the barIt is up to the municipal arborists to set the barIt is up to the municipal arborists to set the bar It is up to the municipal arborists to set the bar for tree care in their community.for tree care in their community.ANSI AANSI A 300 provides a standard on par with300 provides a standard on par withANSI AANSI A--300 provides a standard on par with 300 provides a standard on par with Engineering Standards and Uniform Building Engineering Standards and Uniform Building CodesCodesCodesCodesWork with your City Attorney and Code Work with your City Attorney and Code E f fi d h l fE f fi d h l fEnforcement to find the correct language for Enforcement to find the correct language for your jurisdictionyour jurisdiction

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion

ANSI A300 provides the municipal arboristANSI A300 provides the municipal arboristANSI A300 provides the municipal arborist ANSI A300 provides the municipal arborist with a clear set of industry standardswith a clear set of industry standardsWe can grow the inclusion of the standardsWe can grow the inclusion of the standardsWe can grow the inclusion of the standards We can grow the inclusion of the standards like we included the use of “Certified like we included the use of “Certified Arborist”Arborist”ArboristArboristThe language can The language can be effectively be effectively worded for worded for

i di ii di iyour community ordinances, permit your community ordinances, permit conditions, specifications, and tree conditions, specifications, and tree

i li lpreservation planspreservation plansSet the bar high for your communitySet the bar high for your community