Inventory model for the management of urban trees using a geographic information system

Abstract

The urban trees of the Chapultepec Country neighborhood in Guadalajara, Jalisco were studied in order to elaborate a forest management model and through a Geographic Information System. The neighbourhood has a total amount of 32 blocks, 1 raised median, 1 roundabout, 1 park, 1 traffic easement, with a surfae area of 49.95 hectares. A full census of the wooded area was conducted and supported by thematic mapping, data gathering of enviromental and forestry variables, using a GPS Garmin eTrex 10 every tree was georeferenced. Outstandig results; there are 1386 trees, from 81 different species that belong to 31 botanical families. The more prolific are Ficus benjamina, Thuja orientalis, Arecastrum romanzoffianum, Citrus aurantium y Cupressus sempervirens. The present condition of the regsstered trees revealed that 33.91% are healthy, 57.07% are in regular condition, 7.36% are in poor condition and 1.66% are standing dead. On the basis of the elaborated database, the wooded area census thah includes forestry variables, pruning necessities, phytosanitary condition of the trees and thematic cartography of the wooded areas status, a forestry management program was developed specially for the urban trees of the neighbourhood that can be executed weekly or monthly by the Park and Gardens brigades. A ratio of 9.16 m² green area surface per citizen was found, this constitutes the minimum standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). There is a relationship of 3.03 trees per habitant, a much bigger amount than the WHO’s standard, which points out that in order to obtain a better air quality in urban areas there must be a tree for every three citizens.