Structural Stability of Urban Trees Using Visual and Instrumental Techniques: A Review

This review focuses on tree health assessment in urban forest, specifically on the methodologies commonly used to detect levels, dimensions, and location of wood deterioration. The acknowledged benefits to the urban forestry area from the application of assessment techniques are also addressed. A summary is presented of the different methodologies, such as visual analyses, acoustic tomography, and digital wood inspection drill, with the underlined importance of the biodeterioration of wood by fungi and termites.

Perceptions of Biosecurity-Based Accreditation in the Plant Trade: A UK Example

It is widely acknowledged that a major threat to tree health biosecurity comes from trade, particularly through the importation of containerised live plants and associated growing media. Nurseries can collectively play a key role in mitigating pests and diseases through attention to their daily practices (e.g., procuring plants, storage and management). More widespread adoption of best practices in the sector could be promoted through the introduction of a UK-wide accreditation scheme. However, the success of such a scheme would depend not only on its uptake by nurseries but also on the attitudes of key consumers in the plant supply chain. To date, the perspectives of the nursery sector on the feasibility of plant biosecurity, as well as the sensitivity of these sectors to consumer opinion, have remained under-researched. Using the COM-B [Capability, Opportunity, Motivation—Behaviour] model as a framework, we draw on qualitative results to assess the appetite for a hypothetical accreditation scheme amongst UK nurseries and the capability, opportunities and motivations to enhance their biosecurity practices. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with plant nurseries and 22 with their consumers. Overall a plant health accreditation scheme should have actions that are: (1) viable within the confines of the site and supply chain; (2) affordable where the benefits of changes/improvements outweigh the costs; (3) beneficial in that they promote biosecurity; (4) attractive to consumers looking to purchase products from accredited nurseries; (5) fair and inclusive where everyone has responsibility for biosecurity; (6) transparent with the scheme involving a strong monitoring and auditing component. This study provides important insights that will feed into the development of plant biosecurity-focussed accreditation or certification.

Green space in Ternate: tree species diversity and physical condition assessment

Greenspace has become an essential element in the built environment. As a crucial living component, trees in the green space need to be maintained to secure their longevity. In Ternate, information on the green space relating to species diversity, tree performance, and other environment variables is still lacking. One of the important green spaces in Ternate is Nukila Park. The purpose of the study was to describe the species diversity and the physical condition of trees in Nukila Park. Data was collected by recording all three species at the research site and observing their physical condition using visual tree assessment (VTA). Results showed that the tree species are dominated by Pterocarpus indicus, Samanea saman, and S wietenia macrophylla. Diversity index (Shannon Wiener, H’), evenness index (E), and Richness index (Margalef, R) were H’=1.92, E=0.69, and R=2.92, respectively. These values indicate that species diversity and evenness were moderate while species richness was low. The tree health showed that most of the trees (81%) were in good condition, while the rest (19%) were damaged caused by pests and diseases. The results could be used to formulate appropriate management of Nukila Park, such as pest and disease control and species enrichment to improve tree health.

Assessment of urban tree condition using VTA at Urban Green Space of Mataram University Rectorate

Urban green spaces, including those in the University of Mataram, is all urban land covered by vegetation of any kind, which has aesthetic and recreation values and are important components in improving the ecosystem function. Many trees at the University of Mataram Rectorate Area have aesthetical and ecological values. These trees have not been subjected to health assessment, while various stressors may have impacted the trees in the past. There is no available previous assessment information regarding the tree’s health condition. The purpose of this study is to conduct a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) to evaluate the 62 trees’ health condition at the Mataram University Rectorate Area. The target trees were ≥20 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) and poles (10-19 cm dbh). The assessment was carried out using the VTA method to the condition of the common defects of the tree. The results show that based on the condition of the common defects of the tree, it was found that 22% of the trees had dead trees, top, and branches; 21% had parasite or mistletoe; 19% had stem or branch decay; 13% had weak branch union; 10% had poor tree architecture; 6% had cracks; 4% had termite attack; 3% had cankers, and 2% trees had root problems. Based on the hazard category of targeted trees, 79,03% of the trees are in Low hazard conditions (sound), 19,35% were in Moderately hazardous conditions, and only 1,61% were in Highly hazardous conditions. This assessment should be continued with an in-depth investigation. Monitoring and evaluation of tree health assessment should be done at least once a year. It is very important to gather up-to-date information on health conditions in the trees. The evaluation results integrated into GIS will be used as a tree health database that can be updated continuously. This data is expected to reduce the risk of damage that can be caused by the trees.

UFMonev application design for managing urban forest data and information

Fallen tree incidents in urban areas are frequently reported and often result in loss of property and even death. Therefore, tree health monitoring in urban forests needs to be carried out regularly. The tree health monitoring and evaluation (monev) requires a large amount of time, money, and labor, while the availability is very limited. This condition leads to the lack of tree health monitoring in the urban forest. Up to now, monev activities and reports are still conducted traditionally by using pen and paper. This method has many shortcomings such as ineffectiveness and inefficiency during monev and less engagement of the results. To solve this problem, the method must be modified in a new approach that is relevant to today’s era of Industry 4.0, namely the Internet of Things. This study aims to overcome the shortcomings by designing a Management Information System (MIS) named UFMonev. UFMonev was developed by prototyping method using kodular. Analysis in the information system was carried out by assessing the physical condition of the tree. UFMonev was built in the form of an application that is operated via a smartphone. This application can only be accessed by the party responsible for managing trees in urban areas.

Consecutive monitoring method for pecan orchards and discovery of a mysterious circle in a pecan orchard with UAV

In this study, we established consecutive monitoring methods using UAV in pecan orchards of 64 ha each, in San Simon, Arizona, USA. Activity monitoring, tree height map creation and ground surface temperature analysis of trees by UAV with near infrared (NIR)/TIR camera were conducted for pecan orchards in San Simon, Arizona, USA. Using established continuous monitoring methods, the UAV images of a 3-year-old pecan orchard showed circular traces of alfalfa cultivation prior to installation of pivot irrigation that was previously not observed. Tree growth measurements was compared to the trees planted inside and outside of the circle. Growth and tree health activity was found to be better when the trees were outside of the circle.

Tree Health Assessment of Lauraceae Collections in Bogor Botanic Gardens using Forest Health Monitoring Method

Bogor Botanic Gardens (BBG) is an ex-situ plant conservation area with thousands of plant collections. The trees of the Lauraceae in BBG experienced the highest number of deaths among other families. However most of them were categorized as young planting years (0-15 years). A tree health monitoring in the Lauraceae needs to be conducted to provide an overview, trend, and value of the level of damage. Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) method was carried out on two plots consisting of 149 trees. FHM can identify the types and levels of damage through monitoring and recording a series of tree damage. The results showed that among 149 trees, with 103 healthy, 9 lightly damaged, 10 moderately damaged, 15 heavily damaged, and 12 dead. The damage was primarily found in the stem (63 trees), the crown branch (51 trees), and the roots (13 trees). The severity of the damage was mainly at a mild level (0-19%). The cause of the damage is discussed. Further observations and frequent monitoring of the health of the Lauraceae need to be conducted by management to reduce the number of dead collections of the family. Keywords: botanic gardens, Forest Health Monitoring, lauraceae, tree health

How Can Local and Regional Knowledge Networks Contribute to Landscape Level Action for Tree Health?

Forests worldwide are facing increasing pressures, with human travel and trade assisting the spread of pests and diseases. Climate change is likely to enhance the negative impacts of pests and diseases, which cause global declines and local extinctions. In this research we focus on three local and regional knowledge networks in the UK concerned with pests and diseases to explore to what extent the networks raise awareness and encourage other actions in their members, and identify what roles social capital and social learning play in these networks. A qualitative approach was undertaken. Three networks focused on pests and diseases were studied in the research, which involved 20 interviews with network members, and in situ discussions with two of the networks involving 41 members. Interviewees in the networks self-reported increased awareness and understanding of tree health issues as an important outcome of their participation in a network. The networks engaged in a range of actions, from knowledge exchange to developing guidance and running events, workshops and field trips. The role of the networks in supporting the development of social capital and social learning made an important contribution to the knowledge exchange and other actions undertaken, and highlights how networks can contribute to landscape-level action towards tree health. Stakeholders need to be included in responses to pest and disease threats, and networks can play an important role in raising awareness, knowledge exchange and linking up diverse land managers. This research provides evidence of the importance of networks in developing a collective approach, creating a stronger voice, aiding different organisations and individuals to work together, and providing an arena for social learning and developing useful relationships. A recognition of the importance of networks and the provision of some financial support could aid their continuation.