Comparing Reliability of FHM and ISA Methods in Assessing Old and Large Dipterocarp Trees Health

Abstract

Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) methods are used for individual tree health assessment. However, comparing the reliability of both methods in assessing large and old tree health has yet to be evaluated. This study aims to determine reliability of two methods in evaluating the health condition of old (>100 years old) and large Dipterocarp trees in Bogor Botanic Garden (BBG), Indonesia. The parameters observed were growth, morphometry, and tree health of 44 trees. The results showed that, overall, the two methods demonstrated quite similar in assessing the health condition of targeted trees. Visual tree damage domination by conks, fruiting bodies, and other indicators of advanced decay, open wounds, and termite gallery. The average risk rating of three parts of the tree (branches/crown, trunk, roots) is low to moderate. The two approaches could be used simultaneously or separately according to the purpose of the assessment.