A dead standing tree (called a "snag") is laid to the ground in Point Pleasant Park (HRM 2007) |
Tree Hazard Abatement Work
One of the legacies of Hurricane Juan in Point Pleasant Park is dead standing trees called snags. Snags are a part of any natural forest. They are a necessary part of a healthy, sustainable, and diverse Acadian forest ecosystem.
In Point Pleasant Park snags play an important role in the nutrient cycle of the forest by holding and releasing nutrients to surrounding trees and tree seedlings.
With about one million visits per year, in a park such as Point Pleasant we have to balance forest health with visitor safety. Tree Hazard Abatement is a way in which we assess trees (both living and dead) in order to reduce the risk of injury to people due to falling tree limbs or falling trees.
Generally, this is how we conduct tree hazard abatement work in Point Pleasant Park:
Tree Hazard Assessment
Tree Hazard Assessment, Fall 2007 (HRM 2007) |
Qualified forestry workers assess trees along roads, trails, pathways and in public gathering areas in a three step method: Basal, Trunk, Limbs
1. Basal Inspection
The base of the tree is inspected for decay, and the ground around the tree is inspected for any signs of shifting or heaving.
2. Trunk Inspection
The trunk of the tree is inspected for decay, cavities, and horizontal and vertical cracks.
3. Limb Inspection
The limbs of the tree are inspected for decay, cracks, and whether they are located over or near roads, trails, pathways, or public gathering areas.
Correctional Measures
If a tree fails any part of the inspection, correctional measures are then performed. Correcting a tree may mean laying all or part of the tree to the ground. At Point Pleasant Park wood from our forest maintenance work is left to decay on the forest floor in order to add nutrients to the soil.
Tree Hazard Assessment requires a thorough understanding of trees, the environment in which they stand, people, wildlife, insects, and even fungus.
Tree Hazard Abatement Slideshow on Flickr.
This Point Pleasant Park Biodiversity Project is made possible by: