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+Tree Risk case – Case 3
+In Case 3, an Aleurites moluccana (T3) planted at the comer of the amenity area measuring at Tuen Mun Park. T3 has a diameter at breast height (DBH) of approximately 400mm and stands at a height of 10m. Its crown spread extends to about 8m.
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+T3 is situated at adjacent to a path and in close proximity to the large pavilion at a Majoy Park in Hong Kong. This means that various activities and amply of park users, visitors and residents nearby frequently pass by or gather around T3 Due to its location, removing the target is not an option.
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+ T3 Location 
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+Crown Condition: T3, the specific tree in question, is exhibiting notable signs of potential stress or health issues. These signs include a comparative yellowing of the foliage, smaller foliage size, and the presence of died-back twigs.
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+The yellowing foliage and smaller size suggest that T3 may be experiencing stress or health issues. These issues could be caused by a range of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, drought stress, pest infestation, disease, or root problems. Each of these factors can have a detrimental effect on the overall health and vitality of the tree.
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+Additionally, the presence of died-back twigs further indicates potential stress or health concerns. This occurrence may be a result of insufficient nutrient uptake or the impact of pests or diseases.
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+Trunk Condition: The tree in question displays abnormal bark peeling off, with dimensions of 600mm in width and 1900mm in length. Additionally, decay has been observed in the affected area. Furthermore, there are several vertical cracks present around the trunk, with the longest crack measuring 1.5m in length.
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+abnormal bark peeling
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+Crack
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+abnormal bark peeling
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+The abnormal bark peeling off and decay indicate significant damage to the tree's outer protective layer. This can leave the underlying wood exposed to the elements, increasing the risk of further decay, disease, and insect infestation.
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+The presence of vertical cracks, particularly the longest one measuring 1.5m, suggests structural instability in the trunk. These cracks weaken the tree's integrity and can potentially lead to trunk failures, especially during periods of inclement weather or other external force.
+Root condition: T3 exhibits signs of root plate movement, with the roots showing decay and exposed dead wood. Additionally, the root zone is restricted by the nearby planter wall.
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+Root plate movement refers to the shifting or instability of the root system, which can occur due to various factors such as soil compaction or inadequate anchorage. In this case, the root plate movement was observed after the Typhoon Signal No. 8. This movement can weaken the tree's stability and increase the risk of uprooting
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+Root plate movement 
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+Root plate movement
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+Roots decay and exposed dead wood
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+Roots decay and exposed dead wood
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+Remedial measure:	Root plate movement has significantly compromised the stability of T3. Additionally, the trunk of the tree exhibits several vertical cracks, indicating structural damage.
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+The combination of root plate movement and trunk damage poses a severe risk. The potential consequences of a failure in this condition could result in substantial property damage and pose a significant risk of injuries. The presence of this problematic tree directly threatens the safety of individuals and property within the tree canopy area, especially at inclement weather.
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+Considering the above factors, it is highly recommended to remove T3. This course of action prioritizes public safety and mitigates the risk of accidents or damages caused by potential tree failure.
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+Fungal decay in Tree
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+Fungal decay occurs when specific fungi colonize and break down the structural components of a tree, such as the wood. This can weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to failure, especially during severe weather events or other stressors.
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+Identifying the types of fungi involved is crucial in understanding the risks associated with fungal decay. Different fungal species have varying abilities to degrade wood and cause structural damage. Researchers have studied and identified various decay-causing fungi, including white rot, brown rot, and soft rot fungi.
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+To assess and detect fungal decay in living trees, various methods have been developed. These methods include visual inspections, specialized tools like resistographs or sonic tomography, and laboratory analysis of wood samples. These techniques help arborists and professionals determine the extent of decay and make informed decisions regarding tree management and safety.
+Fungal decay in Tree – Case 4
+Phellinus noxius on Delonix regia 
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+T4, a Delonix regia tree infected with Phellinus noxius, is located adjacent to a public road in a busy Industrial Zone. The tree stands at a height of 11m.
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+Several concerning issues have been observed with this tree. Abnormally small foliage, dieback of twigs and branches, and signs of termites on the trunk are evident. Additionally, decay with the presence of Phellinus noxius fungal fruiting bodies has been clearly identified at the root flare.
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+Phellinus noxius is a highly virulent pathogenic fungus that primarily causes simultaneous white rot on the roots and root collars of infected trees. Unlike many other fungi, wounds are not necessary for P. noxius infection, as it can actively infect living trees. Infection can occur through root-to-root contact or via the dissemination of basidiospores from mature fruiting bodies.
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+The presence of this fungus leads to the development of Brown Root Rot disease (BRRD) in trees. BRRD is characterized by a gradual thinning out of the crown, yellowing of the foliage, and a reduction in foliage size. These symptoms occur due to the impaired water transportation function of the tree's vascular system.
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+Given the severity of the fungal infection and the presence of irreparable defects, the structural integrity of the tree is compromised. As a result, there is a high likelihood of future tree failure. Considering the tree's low sustainability and its high-risk rating, it is recommended to remove the tree. This action is necessary to eliminate the risk it poses to public safety, especially due to its proximity to a busy road with heavy traffic and minimize the chance of spreading of BRRD.
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+Fungal decay in Tree – Case 5
+Ganoderma lucidum on Delonix regia 
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+T5, a Delonix regia tree, is infected with Ganoderma lucidum and situated at the edge of a slope near a traffic road. There is an electric box (grey in the photo) located underneath the tree. The tree has a height of 5m.
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+The tree exhibits a significant lean of 24 degrees on the compression side. An old wound is present, showing signs of decay and borer infestation. The root system is restricted on the tension side of the tree. The foliage appears abnormally colored and small in size. There is also dieback of twigs and branches.
+Furthermore, decay with the presence of Ganoderma lucidum fungal fruiting bodies has been clearly identified at the root. This indicates a severe fungal infection and decay within the tree's root system.
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+Ganoderma lucidum is a pathogenic fungus that causes white rot decay on the trunks and roots of trees. This fungal infection can eventually lead to the death of the tree within a few years after initial infection.
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+In this particular case, it is important to regularly monitor T5, preferably by a certified arborist or tree specialist. The tree exhibits a leaning posture that compromises its stability, compounded by the infection of Ganoderma lucidum, which leads to decay in both the trunk and root system. Over time, this decay will gradually damage the tree's structural integrity.
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+By conducting regular inspections, the condition of T5 can be consistently assessed, allowing for timely updates on its health and structural stability. This proactive approach ensures that appropriate measures can be taken promptly if the situation worsens. 
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+Tree Defect Detection system
+In recent years, the arboriculture and forestry industry has witnessed the introduction of several tools aimed at aiding in the evaluation of tree defects. These tools encompass a range of essential equipment, including a mallet for conducting sounding tests, diameter tape and logger's tape for measuring tree dimensions, an increment borer for extracting core samples, a portable drill for various purposes, a calculator for data analysis, a telescope for visual inspections, and soil excavation tools for assessing root conditions.
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+Moreover, more advanced decay detection devices such as the Resistograph and Sonic Tomography Assessment have gained popularity and are now commonly employed. These tools provide additional capabilities for identifying and evaluating internal decay and structural integrity issues within trees.
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+Resistograph Assessment
+Resistograph inspection is a method used to assess the internal condition of trees. It involves drilling into the tree trunk with a specialized device called a Resistograph, which measures the resistance encountered. The resistance profile obtained helps identify internal defects like decay or cracks. Arborists use the resistogram, a graphical representation of the resistance measurements, to make informed decisions about tree management and safety. Resistograph inspections are typically performed by trained professionals and are used in combination with other assessment methods for a comprehensive evaluation of tree health.
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+The pros and cons of Resistograph Assessment is as below:
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+Pros: 
+    • The resistograph generates quantitative data in the form of resistance measurements, allowing for objective analysis and comparison. 
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+    • The resistograph can be used on a wide range of tree species and sizes, making it a versatile tool for tree inspections.
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+    • Resistograph inspection complements other assessment techniques, such as visual inspections or sonic tomography, providing a more comprehensive understanding of a tree's condition. brief
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+Cons: 
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+    • The drilling process involved in resistograph inspection can cause surface damage to the tree trunk. While the damage is generally minor, it can affect the aesthetic appearance of the tree.
+    • Interpreting resistograph data requires expertise and experience. Without proper training, there is a risk of misinterpreting the results, leading to incorrect assessments.
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+    • Resistograph inspection provides information only about the specific area where drilling takes place. It does not provide a comprehensive assessment of the entire tree. 
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+Sonic Tomography Assessment
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+Sonic Tomography Assessment is a non-invasive method used to evaluate the internal condition and structural integrity of trees. It involves the use of sound waves to create a visual representation of the internal wood density and potential areas of decay within the tree trunk. The methodology includes equipment setup with specialized sensors, transmitting sound waves by striking the trunk, recording the travel times of the waves between sensors, analyzing the data using software, and generating a visual representation known as a tomogram. This tomogram provides a cross-sectional view of the tree trunk, highlighting areas of potential decay or structural weakness. Sonic Tomography Assessment is a valuable tool for arborists, allowing them to assess internal tree conditions without causing damage and make informed decisions regarding tree management and safety measures.
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+The pros and cons of Sonic Tomography Assessment is as below:
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+Pros:
+    • Non-invasive method for evaluating internal tree conditions without causing damage.
+    • Provides accurate visualization of internal wood density and areas of decay through tomograms.
+    • Offers objective data for informed decision-making regarding tree management and safety.
+    • Time-efficient assessment process.
+    • Suitable for various tree species.
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+Cons:
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+    • Effective results limited to trees with a minimum trunk diameter.
+    • Less effective for hollow trees or extensive decay.
+    • Environmental factors can affect assessment accuracy.
+    • Requires expertise for proper sensor placement and data interpretation.
+    • Additional equipment and software requirements may incur costs.
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+In summary, Sonic Tomography Assessment is a valuable tool for non-destructively evaluating internal tree conditions. It provides accurate visualization and objective data, but has limitations related to tree size, hollow trees, environmental factors, user expertise, and additional equipment requirements.
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+Now, there are several innovative tree defect detection systems that have emerged in recent years. These include hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR, acoustic monitoring, drone-based inspections, and AI applications. Hyperspectral imaging analyzes spectral signatures to identify subtle changes associated with tree defects. LiDAR creates 3D models to accurately measure tree structure and identify defects. Acoustic monitoring detects changes in sound patterns to indicate internal defects. Drones equipped with various sensors enable efficient and detailed inspections. AI applications analyze data from multiple sources to automatically detect and classify tree defects. These innovative systems provide advanced capabilities for assessing tree health and structural integrity.
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+Conclusion
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+Hong Kong is a densely populated urban area with limited green spaces. Trees often grow in urban environments, including parks, roadside plantings, and private gardens. The urban setting presents challenges such as limited planting spaces, competition for resources, and exposure to pollution and urban heat island effects.
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+The portfolio cases presented here highlight the challenges faced by arboriculture industry in Hong Kong. Many trees are planted in confined spaces such as planters or tree pits, obstructing root system development. This is a common and significant issue that tree inspection officers, arborists, and tree workers deal with on a daily basis.
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+Enhancing knowledge on urban forestry in the public and tree management sectors is crucial for promoting effective tree care and sustainable urban green spaces.  When there is a better understanding of urban forestry and its principles, tree planting can be approached in a more balanced and thoughtful manner, taking into consideration both the needs of trees and humans. 
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+Innovative tree decay detection equipment is essential for tree inspection officers to accurately assess the extent of decay and provide appropriate instructions to tree surgeons. This ensures public safety within the community and serves as evidence to support the preservation of trees. With the use of updated decay detection equipment, trees with low risk and minor defects can be preserved by confirming the extent of internal decay.
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+Word Count: 4021