Group-Tree Hazard Analysis    (View PDF)

Stephen R. Bakken

Abstract: Tree hazard control programs focus on individual tree risk analysis. Although microsite conditions are often evaluated, whole forests or groups of trees are rarely considered. A tree hazard program was initiated at a northern California state park in 1969. Since then, hundreds of trees have been removed from the campground to reduce the agency's liability. Nevertheless, hundreds more trees have failed, causing injury and property damage. Traditional single tree risk assessment proved to be inadequate to stabilize this forest. Consequently, the environmental dynamics of the entire forest were assessed, and every tree was evaluated for its positive or negative contribution to the long term stability of the forest.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1995.025