PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Cranmer, Nicholas
AU  - Fahey, Robert T.
AU  - Worthley, Thomas
AU  - Witharana, Chandi
AU  - Alveshere, Brandon
AU  - Bunce, Amanda
TI  - Tree Trimming Effects on 3-Dimensional Crown Structure and Tree Biomechanics: A Pilot Project
AID  - 10.48044/jauf.2024.020
DP  - 2024 Nov 01
TA  - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry
PG  - 395--413
VI  - 50
IP  - 6
4099  - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/50/6/395.short
4100  - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/50/6/395.full
AB  - Background Along electric distribution corridors in urban-exurban landscapes, forest edges are susceptible to damage associated with storm events. Disturbances and management interventions designed to preempt their effects (e.g., tree trimming) alter characteristics of tree structure and morphology (e.g., branch and crown structure), which may be associated with tree failure and likelihood of associated infrastructure damage. This study assessed the relationship between 3-dimensional tree crown structure and tree biomechanics and characterized the effect of utility tree trimming on tree sway dynamics using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS).Methods In this study we extracted and analyzed measures of crown structure (i.e., crown asymmetry, crown area, total volume, crown diameter to height ratio, and crown evenness) for individual trees during leaf-off conditions before and after implementation of tree trimming and linked these measures to tree biomechanics data, to evaluate how commonly implemented trimming practices affect both tree sway frequency and displacement—important indicators of tree stability.Results Results illustrated the effects of common tree trimming practices on tree crown structure, but there were not consistent changes to tree movement characteristics directly following tree trimming across our 24 study trees. However, we found that the associated changes in crown structure through tree trimming affected tree displacement in moderate wind conditions. Additionally, we found there were no significant differences between frequencies across treatment types.Conclusions This pilot project lays the foundation for understanding the intricate relationship between 3-dimensional crown structure and tree biomechanics following roadside tree trimming.