The health status of saga tree (Adenanthera pavonina) in campus area of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU)

Abstract

Saga (Adenanthera pavonina) is multipurpose tree species found in the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) campus. Along with broken branches and fallen trees on the USU campus, it is necessary to monitor the trees’ health. This study aimed to measure the saga trees’ health status at the USU campus. The research was conducted by the census method to 153 saga trees. The health monitoring was performed using Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) method. The results showed that the sixth damage type that occurred on saga trees are: cancer, decay further, open wounds, leaves decolourization, loss of dominant tip, and broken or dead branches. Based on its health status, four trees (2.61%) are in the very healthy category, 35 trees (22.88%) are in the healthy category, 88 trees (57.52%) are less healthy, and 26 trees (16.99%) are in the unhealthy category. The damage index value for saga trees at the USU campus is commonly on the moderate category, so maintenance activities are needed to improve tree health and avoid unwanted incidents.