Assessing tree canopy and above ground structures Revision as of 14:52, 15 July 2015 by Mtrojan (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Assessing tree canopy and above ground structures

Assessing the tree canopy and above-ground structures. Take a photo from Location A and B that captures the extent of the foliage. Take multiple images if necessary, indicating the general direction of view. Complete the following assessment of the canopy, providing additional information of photo-documentation where appropriate.
Link to this table.

Defoliation: a relative amount of needles or leaves are missing from the canopy as compared to a reference tree.
Is there any level of defoliation noted?	____ Yes ____ No
If defoliation is present, estimate the percent defoliation
Describe the location, relative area (ft2) of the defoliation, percent canopy/leaf loss (% of whole area), and any other notable information regarding each defoliation area noted from visual assessment at Locations A and B. Take photographs as necessary, noting the general direction of view.
Apical Shoot Architecture: the architecture of the most recent growth of branches in the canopy where the majority of leaves are located and arranged. Answer all of the following questions when examining the apical shoot architecture from Locations A and B and then rate the tree using the Apical shoot scoring system for the Apical Shoot Architecture.
What is the estimated length of a typical apical shoot (inches)?
Are the upper-most apical shoots alive, as indicated by color and twig turgor pressure (e.g. not dried and brittle in appearance)?	____ Yes ____ No
What is the color of the typical apical shoot?	___ Light brown ___ Dark brown ___ Green ___ Yellow ___ Red ___ Other (specify)
Is there any presence of the following in the apical branch growth? Mark all that apply, and indicate general location of the noted issues.	___ spear-shaped twigs ___ short twigs ___ lack of bud structures (dormant season only for deciduous trees) ___ a large numbers of twigs emerging from the tips of the next lower level of branching ___ a lack of branch growth in one area or on one side of the tree
Describe any of the noted issues.
Fructification: the fruits and fruiting bodies of trees can indicate much about the health or lack thereof of the individual. Answer all of the following, per the Fructification scoring system.
Is fruit present on the tree? Only note the presence of new fruit from this year, and not “old” fruit from the previous year, as would be distinguished as wrinkled or shriveled in appearance.	___Yes ___ No
Describe the location, relative area covered, and any other notable information regarding the fruiting from Locations A and B. Please take photographs as necessary, noting the general direction of view.
Roots: the majority of the root system should be below ground and relatively difficult to assess and monitor, however, the presence and effects of circling/girdling roots may provide symptoms in tree morphology. Answer all of the following.
Is there a lack of branching or a flat side observed on the tree, or are there any girdling roots observed around the main trunk at or above the soil surface? Note the presence of these features that would indicate root-related issues.	___ Yes ___ No
Describe the location and any other notable information regarding the presence of roots above ground from Locations A and B. Take photographs as necessary, noting the general direction of view.