hi all,
i live in a tropical country with sunshine all year long. we have angsana, rain and mahogany trees ,just to name a few
i am looking for more info on tree diseases relating to my area

any one can help? website?
mark

Reply to post by mark, on March 07, 2003 at 06:21:06:

Specifically what do you want to know about tree diseases in your area?
More information offered can result in more information returned.

Reply to post by mark, on March 07, 2003 at 06:21:06:

Perhaps you will find the linked site helpful.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on March 07, 2003 at 06:21:06:

hi Mr Goodwin,
i am a treeclimbing instructor. i wish to find out more on assessing suitable trees and crotches for treeclimbing. what are the checks i can conduct to assess the trees?
how do i assess the health status of the trees, branches and roots?
some of the trees we climb are rain trees, angsana, mahogany, kaya trees, etc.
please advise
mark

Reply to post by mark, on March 07, 2003 at 11:30:37:

mark,
This is my second attempt to reply. I was nearly done with a post last night when one of my cats decided to leap onto the keyboard, taking everything with her.
I am not a tree climber, but work only from a lift or the ground on a college campus in California.
The trees you are interested in climbing are in a tropical area abroad, right?
I assume you are teaching recreational tree climbing?
I am not directly familiar with the species you mentioned, nor with the environment where they live.
It might be more useful to you to find a local source of knowledge concerning common failure patterns in these trees.
Among the trees more familiar to me, there are often outward signs of internal or hidden cracks and faults. Also, certain trees have typical branching patterns. Some species seem to have much less problem with branch breakouts from narrow crotches than others do.
Also, you may find that identifying certain fungal conks will help you predict the advance and extent of structural degradation due to decay.
A general characterization of overall tree health may help you avoid climbing suspect trees. And a knowledge of root crown inspection can help you find damage contributing to potential whole tree failure.
Of course staying well within the safety limits of your equipment and using proper tie-in techniques are very important.
But I will forgo any particular advice about selecting branches for rope use.
One last thought - you may wish to consider minimizing the impact of climbing on the health of the trees. I've read about friction savers, but they are outside of my experience.
Perhaps you should post your question to a tree climbing forum.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on March 10, 2003 at 22:03:22:

thanks alot. your advice are valuable. do u have info on how to find out more about tree mechanics eg shear, compression,etc.
mark

Reply to post by mark, on March 26, 2003 at 15:18:08:

I have read other people's comments about the book linked below. The author has a background in mechanical engineering, I think. You could find reviews of the book in a web search, I'm sure. I think it may have some of the kind of information you are looking for.
I imagine that talking with working climbers would be a valuable source of information for you, if they are open-minded and keep up with current knowledge and standards of practice.
Best of luck.