Liv i död ved: En undersökning av förhållningssätt till död ved på äppelträd i trädgårdshandböcker och bland yrkesverksamma trädbeskärare

Abstract

In this essay, several factors in apple tree care (specifically in relation to whether dead wood should be kept or removed) are highlighted for example, aesthetics and biodiversity. To present some background, the essay begins by introducing some previous literature on dead wood. This leads into how dead wood is treated within forestry. Next, previous research on dead wood in fruit trees is mentioned. Cultural and historical management methods are also highlighted. A questionnaire was sent out and 21 responses came back from various professional groups that work with trees in some form. Elaborate answers were encouraged and the vast majority wrote well-argued answers. A literature survey was carried out where 4 modern and 4 older (20th century) gardening handbooks were examined to get a broader picture of what advice is given regarding dead wood. Both the older and the modern literature said that dead wood/dry wood should be removed. What differed between the books was that the modern books wrote more positively about biodiversity and that older fruit trees are valuable with cavities and dead parts. In addition to the literature survey and the questionnaire, 2 longer interviews were also conducted. One with Henrik Morin and one with Mikael Witte, these are presented in the results. The responses from the survey and interviews are presented in the results chapter. The answers were divided into 5 categories: Purpose, biological diversity, aesthetics, cultural history and fall risk/injury risk/disease. During the discussion chapter, these categories are linked back through discussions under each category.