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

Abstract

Abstract 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.