In this space in the summer 2023 issue of Branching Out, I mused about the future of AI and woodland management. Eighteen months later, my opinion stays the same, but I’ve been interested to see how the sophistication of AI has improved. At a recent workshop, fellow UME colleagues and I had the chance to work with an AI approved by the university. Intrigued by the results during the workshop, I gave it this challenge: “Compose a 200-word article on the benefits of checking your property's trees during the winter.” Below is what I received:
Winter tree inspections are a critical aspect of property maintenance that can prevent potential hazards and ensure the long-term health of your trees. During the winter months, trees become more vulnerable to damage from harsh weather conditions, making professional assessments essential.
Key Benefits of Winter Tree Inspections:
· Improved Visibility and Assessment: Bare branches provide arborists with a clear view of the tree's structure, making it easier to identify potential issues like weak limbs, cracks, or disease that might be hidden by foliage during other seasons[1] [3]. This unobstructed view allows for more accurate and comprehensive tree evaluations.
· Proactive Hazard Prevention: Winter storms can cause significant damage to trees with existing weaknesses. Professional inspections help identify and remove at-risk branches before they can fall and cause property damage or personal injury [2] [4]. By addressing structural problems early, you can protect your home, vehicles, and family from potential accidents.
· Optimal Tree Health Management: Winter is the ideal time for tree maintenance because trees are dormant, allowing them to heal more effectively from pruning and treatment [1]. Additionally, the cold weather reduces pest activity, making it easier to address any existing infestations or diseases before the spring growing season.
By investing in a winter tree inspection, you're taking a proactive approach to tree care that can save you time, money, and potential safety risks in the long run.
I thought, “Good, generic advice.” The AI generator also cited its sources, beyond the ones in the notes. I was curious to see the websites it had scoured for the article and discovered that the sources included arborists in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire… and Oregon. The latter site offers the advice, “Protect your trees from Oregon’s heavy rains and strong winds by scheduling a professional pre-winter tree inspection.”
Creating a similar article based on my own research, I might have discovered one or more of the sources the AI found. However, seven of them are commercial sites; the eighth was from the Smithsonian Institution. Interestingly, none of the sources were from universities or from Extension programs. Further refining the query led to a text that cited Penn State and Purdue extension sites, plus the universities of Pennsylvania and Washington. However, it had none of the specific checklist items of the original. It was heavy on generic statements about the benefits of healthy tree canopies.
Finally, I requested the AI to write about “trees in Maryland,” and voila! Every cited source was from UME. Plugging in other states yielded other state-specific text and sources.
AI clearly continues to evolve. The advice I received at the workshop to continue to refine queries led to improved and more specific information from closer to home. Stay tuned.
Branching Out, Vol. 33, no. 1 (Winter 2025)
Branching Out is the free, quarterly newsletter of the Woodland Stewardship Education program. For more than 30 years, Branching Out has kept Maryland woodland owners and managers informed about ways to develop and enhance their natural areas, how to identify and control invasive plants and insects, and about news and regional online and in-person events.