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Tree Species Master Data
Tree Species Mapping

Tree Database Dictionary

DBH:  Diameter at Breast Height to the nearest whole inch on the tree stick. For example: 10.5 and greater is 11 and 10.4 or less is 10
HGT:  Height in 16-foot logs using a Merritt Hypsometer.  Estimate to the nearest tenth, even if zero.  Examples: 3.2, 2.0, 1.5
Dam12FT:  Percent of damage in the first 12 feet of the tree trunk(s) 0 to 100
Vigor:  Percentage of the volume of green or living wood visible in the tree 100 (very healthy) to 1 (basically dead) and if there is a Stump present then VIGOR = 0
The volume of the bole or main trunk of a tree is roughly 60-70% of the total volume of the tree.
Danger:  Risk present due to the tree’s condition.

• 0 = No present or perceived danger
• 1 = An otherwise healthy tree with branching structure, could it split apart or does it have excessively large branches that might break off in a roadway or where people or property could be damaged
• 2 = Live broken or diseased branches hanging in the tree that could cause damage to people or property (pruning or tree maintenance needed)
• 3 = Dead tree, large dead branches and that is unsound or has extensive damage, disease or rot.

Borers:  Tree has active borers - usually applies to the Ash trees as the Peach tree borer attacks them
ClrPrune:  Clear Prune has mostly been done.  This lifts the "skirt" on evergreens or other trees so drivers can clearly see pedestrians and other cars
Crowded:  Tree too close to other trees or a house. Removal of tree or pruning required for the best result.
IncBark:  Included bark is when two or more stems on a single tree are growing together. It creates a weak spot in the tree and eventually one may split off in a storm. Sometimes cables or large bolts are inserted to preserve the tree.
RtGirdle:  Root Girdling is when the tree has been poorly planted (we have lots of them) the root wraps around the trunk and as the tree grows the root crushes the cambium layer and caused die-back or large areas on the tree to die.
Thin:  Can be two things: 1) the tree itself needs branches thinned out or 2) the tree needs to be removed as it is crowding the other trees. Example: The large spruces at the main entrance should have been thinned years ago. They grew into each others canopies and destroyed their shape/appearance and all had to be removed.

*Species with an asterisk at the end are on the Boise "not to be planted in the right of way" list.

If you are interested in assisting with tree management, checking trees or making recommendations, please join the Landscape Committee.