A 100% tree inventory using i-tree eco protocol: A case study at Auburn University, Alabama, U.S.

Abstract

The Auburn University campus in Auburn, Alabama, U.S., was used as the site for a case study on the applicability of i-Tree Eco using a 100% tree inventory. The 2009-2010 inventory of the managed areas of campus encompassed 238 ha. Information collected from each tree included diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, crown width, percent dieback, and a tree condition rating. The complete inventory included 7,345 trees with Lagerstroemia spp. (crapemyrtle), Quercus phellos (willow oak), and Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) being the most numerous species on campus. Average DBH and total height of all trees were 16.4 cm and 8.5 m, respectively, with an estimated canopy cover of approximately 16%. Two tree condition ratings were recorded for each tree and results indicated that percent dieback alone is not a sufficient measure to evaluate tree condition. In this case study, i-Tree Eco procedures were found to be an effective and efficient tool, and provided valuable information regarding Auburn University's urban forest structure and function. © 2011 International Society of Arboriculture.