Surveying urban woodland

[richyrich]

With regards to surveying an 'urban forest ' ( if that term still in fashion) with a network of paths- impractical and not necessary to plot all the trees, would it be good practice to plot all the bigger trees ( eg.45cm plus diameter) and record data, OR just trees where significant features are found that could potentially be an issue? The woodland is not dense, and about 10 acres. Thanks 

[Vedhoggar]

If for tree safety just walk through initially and record trees of concern within striking distance of footpaths and other areas used by public as well as nearby roads and important structures with plastic/metal tag and/or identify on a plan of area, if further investigation of some sort is thought to be required for a particular tree just note it on survey form. Where there is a clearly identifiable group of trees of concern, such as say several ash dieback trees, you might just tag one of the trees, state number and record on plan. 

[Thesnarlingbadger]

No point in recording every tree for the purpose of a safety survey. I would just aim for the trees which have issues and are within falling distance of footpaths and other areas where the public are likely to be. If there are any trees of significance (rare species or exceptional quality) I’d mention them. 
 I would likely take a couple cans of arb paint and mark the trees that require work (red for fells) and another colour for deadwooding, monoliths or branch removal etc.

 woodlands are always going to have a sheaf load of trees that would require work if they were in a children’s play area but the risk to half for the public in minimal if they are in a fence area of scrub. 

[richyrich]

10 hours ago, Vedhoggar said:

If for tree safety just walk through initially and record trees of concern within striking distance of footpaths and other areas used by public as well as nearby roads and important structures with plastic/metal tag and/or identify on a plan of area, if further investigation of some sort is thought to be required for a particular tree just note it on survey form. Where there is a clearly identifiable group of trees of concern, such as say several ash dieback trees, you might just tag one of the trees, state number and record on plan. 

Thanks, that's more or less what I was thinking 👍