Alex Shigo
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Alex Shigo is widely considered the father of modern arboriculture. He developed many of the principles that have become central to arboriculture, and his work served as a foundation for much of the research following it.
Shigo was born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1930. He received his bachelor's of science from Waynesburg College, near his hometown. After serving in the Korean War in the Air Force, Shigo returned to his studies at West Virginia University, where he received his Master's and PhD.
Dr. Shigo spent most of his professional career with the United States Forest Service. Early in his career, the first one-man chainsaws were invented, which allowed Shigo to look at trees in a way no one else ever had: by making longitudinal cuts (along the stem) rather than transverse cuts (across the stem). This technique led to many important discoveries, many of which were incorporated into CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees), a groundbreaking biological idea that led to many changes and additions to commercial tree care practices. Shigo eventually became Chief Scientist for the Forest Service.
From 1985 to 2005, he and his wife Marilyn published books as Shigo and Trees, Associates. In 2005, they transferred ownership of the company to their daughter Judy Shigo Smith. Dr. Shigo was well known for his digressive and philosophical style when writing and speaking, and his trademarked phrase, “touch trees,” with which he autographed his books.
Dr. Shigo authored over 270 publications, including many research papers, books, pamphlets, CDs, and DVDs. In recent years, Dr. Shigo reduced his travel schedule but continued to teach and lead workshop sessions until his untimely death. Dr. Shigo and his wife Marilyn have a daughter, Judy, and a son, Robert, as well as five grandchildren.
Dr. Alex Shigo died on October 6, 2006 at his home in Barrington, New Hampshire. A memorial service was held on October 11, 2006 in Barrington, at which many arborists spoke about his influence on their lives and the field of arboriculture.
[edit] Results of Research
Dr. Shigo's discoveries went against many arboricultural conventions that existed prior to his research. Many techniques that were staples of arboriculture for hundreds or even thousands of years were shown to be unnecessary or harmful. It took many years, but Shigo's conclusions have been confirmed by other researchers, and a wealth of discoveries are now built upon his initial work. Current ANSI standards for tree pruning reflect his recommendations.
However, many commercial arborists continue to perform flush cuts, toppings, and other practices that Dr. Shigo's research shows to be harmful. Some of these arborists do not believe that Shigo's conclusions are accurate. More often, arborists perform these practices knowing they are harmful, but believing their business cannot survive without doing so. Although the results of Dr. Shigo's research has reached educational and research-oriented publications, many consumer-oriented publications still recommend or at least describe pruning and cultural practices that have been shown to be detrimental.
[edit] References
- Shigo, Alex. A New Tree Biology. Shigo and Trees, Associates. ISBN 0-943563-12-7
- Shigo, Alex. Modern Arboriculture. Shigo and Trees, Associates. ISBN 0-943563-09-7
- ANSI A300-2001
- Close-Up Profile: Alex Shigo
- Shigo and Trees, Official Website
