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What arborists can do
THE PROS AND CONS FOR TREE CLIMBING PLANTS
Anything that multiplies the number of micro-habitats and food resources in and about a tree, will increase the diversity of wildlife using that tree; however something which creates or hides a serious hazard can be dangerous in the wrong circumstances.
Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages associated with climbing plants.
Advantages:
1.Creation of sheltered places for roosting and nesting birds, bats and small mammals.
2.Provision of nectar sources for adult insects whose larvae may be associated with the tree.
3.Provision of fruits to birds and other animals in autumn and winter.
4.Creation of a whole chain of production and decay in a vertical dimension. Birds, bats and small mammals can in turn feed upon associated invertebrates.Disadvantages:
1.Vigorous climbers, particularly honeysuckle, can physically constrict some young trees.
2.Dense growth of a climber can significantly increase windage and make a weakened tree more susceptible to windthrow.
3.Detailed visual inspection of a tree, as part of a risk assessment, can be almost impossible if climbing plants obscure the trunk and major limbs.
4. The bottom line is that two plants occupying essentially the same space have to be in competition to some extent.
