URBAN TREE RISK ASSESSMENT METHODS: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF VISUAL, INSTRUMENTAL, AND QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n3-223Keywords:
Tree Risk Assessment, Urban Forestry, Acoustic Tomography, Resistance Drilling, Urban Tree ManagementAbstract
Tree risk assessment is an essential activity for urban forest management, aiming to ensure public safety and mitigate material and social damages. However, numerous methods are applied in practice and the lack of consensus regarding their use render the decision-making processes complex and uncertain. In this context, this study aimed to compile and critically analyze commonly used methods for determining potential tree risk. A structured narrative literature review was conducted, based on the qualitative analysis of scientific articles addressing visual assessment methods (i.e., VTA, ISA BMP, USDA), non-destructive instrumental techniques (i.e., resistance drilling, acoustic tomography), and quantitative decision-support models (i.e., AI, expert systems). The results indicate that visual methods, although widely applied due to their practicality and low cost, are highly subjective and have limited capability to detect internal structural defects. Instrumental techniques, such as resistance drilling and acoustic tomography, enhance diagnostic reliability but present operational and economic constraints. Integrated approaches and predictive models emerge as promising alternatives to reduce uncertainty and support more consistent management decisions. It is concluded that tree risk assessment could potential benefit from the integration of multiple methods, considering technical, operational, and social aspects to achieve more reliable and effective evaluations in urban environments.
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