New Technologies and Arboriculture - Tree Risk Assessment 

This week, we welcome Philip van Wassenaer of Urban Forest Innovations (UFI) Links to an external site., a team of highly specialized, consulting arborists, based in Mississauga, Ontario. UFI specializes in the preservation, enhancement and management of all aspects of the urban forest, using a research and science-based approach. Therefore, we will benefit from the perspective of a consulting arborist, using technology to assess tree risk and help conserve trees. Philip will share his take on using technology to evaluate different features of trees and ascertain the level of risk.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• • Understand how technology can assist practitioners and consultants when inspecting trees and assessing risk
  • Gain a deeper understanding of different tree features that may require advanced risk assessment methods (wood decay, cavities, ribs, seams and severed roots)
  • Consider the future of tree risk assessment and emerging approaches/technology

Topic Readings

Required Readings (will reinforce concepts covered in class)

• Rust, S., and van Wassenaer, P. (2017).  Tools for Tree Risk Assessment. Routledge Handbook of Urban Forestry. Routledge, London, (pp. 489-499)

Optional Readings

For a deeper dive into how trees move and react to dynamic wind loads, consider this resource shared in class and mentioned during the lecture.

• James, K.R., Haritos, N. and Ades, P.K. (2006). Mechanical stability of trees under dynamic loads. American Journal of Botany, 93(10), 1522-1530.
• Mechanical Stability of Trees Under Dynamic Loads 2006.pdf Download Mechanical Stability of Trees Under Dynamic Loads 2006.pdf 

Fundamental Concepts

Lecture Video in Zoom archive

Topic Self-review

1- Which advanced methods of tree risk assessment are available in your community?

2- Identify three advantages and three limitations of advanced wood decay detection tools.

3- What do you think is the future of advanced tree risk assessment? Which tools and methods have the potential to help people assess tree risk with more accuracy or certainty?