20/08/2026
Uitnodiging Webinar KPB-ISA
Datum : Donderdag 3 september 2026
Aanvang : 20:00 uur
Titel : Assessing branch junctions, informed by recent research, with Duncan Slater
Spreker : Dr. Duncan Slater
Taal : Engels
Voor het KPB-ISA webinar op 3 september 2026 verwelkomen wij met veel plezier Dr. Duncan Slater uit Engeland. Tijdens dit Engelstalige webinar zal Duncan spreken over het thema ‘Assessing branch junctions’.
Introduction
Why do some branch unions remain remarkably strong throughout a tree’s life, while others are prone to failure? Recent scientific research has fundamentally changed our understanding of how branch junctions develop and function.
During this exclusive KPB-ISA webinar, Dr. Duncan Slater will present the latest insights from more than a decade of research into the biomechanics of branch junctions. His groundbreaking work has led to a new understanding of branch anatomy and introduced the concept of natural bracing—a discovery that has significantly influenced modern pruning practices and tree management recommendations worldwide.
During the webinar, Dr. Slater will discuss
- A new model for branch junction anatomy
- Axillary wood: the discovery of a new type of reaction wood
- Factors of safety for different branch junction forms
- The effects and consequences of natural bracing
- Different forms of natural bracing and their influence on tree stability
- Practical implications and management recommendations
- An interactive Q&A session
One of the highlights of the presentation will be a series of unique time-lapse recordings of branch junctions that Dr. Slater has monitored for more than ten years. These rare observations provide a fascinating insight into how branch junctions develop over time and why trees can follow very different structural pathways.
About the speaker
Dr. Duncan Slater has been a lecturer in arboriculture for over 20 years and previously worked for three local authorities, where he was responsible for the management and protection of publicly owned trees. He holds six university degrees, including a BSc in Forestry, an MEd in Education and a PhD in Plant Biomechanics.
His doctoral research focused on the biomechanics of branch junctions, combining CT scan analysis with mechanical testing to better understand how branch attachments develop and fail. His discovery of the role of natural bracing has reshaped the understanding of included bark and influenced arboricultural practice across the world.
Dr. Slater has delivered training on this subject to more than 4,000 arborists and tree professionals across Europe, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. He is also the author of two widely respected publications on branch junctions, published by the Arboricultural Association (UK).
Whether you are involved in tree inspection, tree risk assessment, pruning, tree management or scientific research, this webinar offers valuable insights that will directly enhance your understanding of tree biomechanics and support better-informed management decisions.
ETW & ETT hercertificering: 1 uur
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Graag tot 3 september aanstaande!
Met vriendelijke groet,
Jan Willem de Groot, Bestuurslid kennisbijeenkomsten
I am the course tutor for the MSc in arboriculture and urban forestry, both on-campus and… · Experience: Myerscough College · Education: Ulster University · Location: Preston · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View Duncan Slater PhD’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion m...
