The Clemson University Landscape Services Department is assigned the care of main Clemson University campus trees. In order to follow a risk management plan for identifying trees with obvious visual structural defects, the following procedures are in place:
- Every two years, provide a documented visual inspection of trees designated within the boundaries of the Clemson University and within inspection zones created within the tree inventory only. No other Clemson owned tree will routinely receive this risk management program.
- Clemson University Campus Zones are designated with the following numbering system:
- Clemson University Facilities zones will be classified as Zones 01 to 20
- Clemson University Athletic zones will be classified as Zones 21 to 30 (Pending)
- Clemson University Housing zones will be classified as Zones 31 to 49
- Clemson University Parking Services zones will be classified as Zones 50 to 95
- Clemson University Intermural will be classified as Zones 96 to 99 (Pending)
- Industry standards outline three defined levels of tree risk assessment. They are the following:
- Level 1: Limited Visual
- Level 2: Basic 360-degree ground-level walk around using basic tools.
- Level 3: Advance tools such as resitograph or tomography.
- Trees in low-risk areas with infrequent targets will receive a Level 1 Limited Visual Inspection.
- Trees in high-risk areas with frequent targets will have a Level 2 Basic Inspection.
- Level 3 tree inspections are performed as needed following a level 1 or 2 inspections.
Once visual defects have been identified, the campus arborist will do one of 3 things:
- Consider the defect as a non-issue, and the tree will be monitored with routine inspections.
- Recommend defective trees with insignificant value be removed immediately.
- Recommend defective trees with significant value be further assessed by an outside consultant.
The outside consultant will then make one of four recommendations:
- The defect may be considered a non-issue, and the tree will be monitored with routine inspections.
- Have a strength loss evaluation done by Clemson's arbor crew or an industry-approved, respected professional tree service.
- Decide no further evaluation is necessary and recommend removal of the tree.
- Implement recommendations and a treatment plan to help correct the defect and provide a time interval for the next inspection.
The Risk Failure Rating will consist of the possible options of low, moderate, high, and extreme. Any tree with a risk failure rating of moderate, high, and extreme will be recommended for removal. Only trees with a rating of low risk will be allowed to remain on campus after a tree risk assessment.