Aspect of tree biology | Considerations in risk assessment |
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Every tree will eventually fail. Trees are biological entities. Trees compartmentalise. Most trees have some defects. Trees are slow to react. | Unless the tree is removed first. They are variable genetically and in responding to their environment. They seal off and grow over damaged tissues. The extent of the defects varies. Tree growth is “adaptive,” therefore “visualisation” within the context of a longer tree time is required to understand tree actions and reactions. |
Trees are regenerating systems. Trees are shedding/biological organisms. Healthy trees can drop limbs or break. Many defects are not visible. Limited knowledge of tree biology and physiology may be a limitation to risk assessment. | Trees do not heal and must develop new material to continue growing. They create litter (leaves, bark, twigs, branches). They may do so naturally or during certain weather conditions. Technology may assist, but judgement is important. Experience and judgement may be important in risk assessment, particularly in predicting failure or development of hazards with a greater degree of certainty. |