GLAS Special: The Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch
Michael Yallop, Ireland Branch Secretary explains a little more about the association
Print17 July 2025
The Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch is a professional body dedicated to promoting best practices in tree care, management, and conservation throughout Ireland. As part of the wider Arboricultural Association based in the UK at our head office, the Ireland Branch supports Arborists, Tree Surgeons, Consultants, Landscape Architects, and other professionals involved in the care of trees and Green Infrastructure.
Through education, certification, advocacy, and community engagement, the branch plays a crucial role in striving to improve and promote standards in Arboriculture, ensuring trees are managed sustainably for future generations.
The Ireland Branch functions as an essential network for Arboricultural professionals, offering training, guidance, and resources to improve the quality of tree care in Ireland. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange, supports research into tree health and management, and liaises with various agencies to promote the importance of trees in urban and rural landscapes.
Setting the standard for professional tree care
Arboriculture is more than just tree cutting – it’s a science and an art that involves understanding tree biology, ecology, and structural integrity.
The Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch is committed to promoting high professional standards in the industry.
Key objectives of the Arboricultural Association include:
– Promoting standards in tree care and management.
– Supporting professional training for Arborists.
– Providing guidance on best practices for tree care.
– Raising awareness about the importance of trees and their role in environmental sustainability.
– Encouraging collaboration between professionals, local authorities, and the public.
Urban trees are essential for creating sustainable, liveable cities. The Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch encourages best practices in urban forestry by supporting tree planting initiatives, advising on species selection, and promoting long-term management strategies. Planners, architects, and environmental organisations help integrate trees into Ireland’s built environment. Green infrastructure projects, such as street tree planting and urban woodlands, benefit from the expertise of arborists who understand tree biology, soil conditions, and site-specific challenges.
Caption: Maynooth College walk and talk
The Arboricultural Association helps to provide guidance key to try to ensure that urban trees thrive, providing shade, reducing heat effects, and enhancing community well-being. As Ireland continues to develop, the role of arborists in shaping sustainable landscapes will become even more important. The Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch will remain a key advocate for tree health, professional standards, and environmental stewardship. By fostering collaboration between industry professionals, policymakers, and the public, the association ensures that trees continue to enrich Ireland’s urban and rural landscapes for generations to come
Ireland’s cities and towns are evolving, and trees are a crucial part of their future. The Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch actively promotes urban forestry and green infrastructure, ensuring that trees are properly integrated into city planning and development projects.
Urban trees provide essential benefits, including:
– Cooling cities by reducing the urban heat island effect.
– Improving air quality by filtering pollutants.
– Reducing flooding by absorbing excess rainwater.
– Enhancing mental well-being by creating greener, more pleasant environments.
Our members work with urban planners, architects, and developers, to help create tree-friendly cities where green spaces are valued and protected. This includes advising on species selection, long-term tree management, and strategies to prevent tree loss due to construction or infrastructure projects. By advocating for stronger protections, better planning policies, and sustainable management practices, the association ensures that trees remain an integral part of Ireland’s landscapes and communities.
The Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch is more than just an organisation for tree professionals – it’s a guardian of Ireland’s tree heritage. By setting industry standards, advocating for tree protection, and engaging communities, the association ensures that trees remain an essential part of Ireland’s landscape, from bustling city streets to the rolling countryside.
As Ireland faces the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and biodiversity loss, the role of arborists has never been more critical. Through its dedication to professionalism, education, and sustainability, the Arboricultural Association Ireland Branch is shaping a greener, healthier future – one tree at a time.
For anyone passionate about trees, whether a professional, policymaker, or nature enthusiast, the association offers the knowledge, resources, and support needed to ensure that Ireland’s trees continue to thrive for generations to come.
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