Browsing by Author "Omole, A. O."

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Assessment and classification of hazardous street trees in University of Ibadan Nigeria
(2010) Omole, A. O.; Adetogun, A. C.; Adejumo, R. O.
The study was carried out to assessed and classified hazardous trees within the University of Ibadan (UI) campus, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study population was 25 municipal tree species comprising of 420 individual trees located along the major roads of the study area, which were considered hazardous to the community. With the aids of data form, health assessments which include a review of defects, surrounding site conditions, and potential targets were carried out. Data collected were subjected to statistic analysis. The result revealed that 31.42% of the total tree species samp1ed within the study area are samena senna. Hazardous trees were generally lower along Agriculture, Masaba and Veterinary roads and they are 0.47%, 0.95% and 1.66% respectively. Oduduwa road had highest number of poor-quality tree with multiple defects (22.38%). A total of 132 species of samena senna bad extremely high probability of failure while the probability of 69 species of Delonix regia to strike a target is extremely high, this species have very shallow roots and the species is easily affected by root/stem rots resulting in heavy damages even with little storm. Ten species of Samena senna affect the road, 33 species of Gliricidia sepium affect the walkway, 60 species of Delonix regia affect the building, 71 species of Samena senna cause street light obstruction and 6 species of Samena senna are affecting the underground cable. In conclusion the study revealed that all the sampled municipal trees of university of Ibadan were defective having some negative impacts for infrastructure damages (e.g damage to building and sidewalks). Since there will always be a common Interaction among people, property and trees in the University community, detection and removal of trees that are likely to be hazardous is essential.
Assessment of stakeholders participation in forest road maintenance in a Nigerian forest estate.
(2011-06) Omole, A. O.; Udofia, S. L.; Obonyilo, P. O.
A study was conducted to assess the stakeholders' participation in forest roads maintenance at the Ondo State Afforestation Project (OSAP) in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Forest roads maintenance is a tool for sustainable forest management. Using simple random sampling method, respondents were selected from the study population which included staff of the Ondo State Afforestation Project, and residents of the communities within the enclaves in the area such as llulitun, Ilege, Lisagbede, Makinde, Ogunlepa I, Ogunlepa II. Results showed that 84.30% of the stakeholders expressed concern about the present condition of the road, 4.30% were not interested on importance attached to road maintenance while 11.40% of the respondents were indifferent. Data obtained from the professional staff of OSAP show that only 20% of the stakeholders actually participated in forest roads maintenance. Although 34.35% of other stakeholders within the forse estate (farmers and timber contractors) claimed to be involved in grading of roads but majority (65.70%) of the stakeholders said they did not participate in road maintenance. The implication of the findings indicate that roads leading to forest areas have not been given adequate attention through stakeholders participation. This has resulted in road degradation thereby causing hardship to smooth transportation of resources and human beings. It is recommended that all stakeholders' be encouraged to participate actively in road maintenance in the study area in other to promote sustainable management of forest resources.
Assessment of technical compliances to landowners guides in forest roads of Oluwa forest reserve Ondo State Nigeria
(2012-06) Omole, A. O.; Akinwole, A. O.
Assessment of the various types of hazard exposed to by logging crews in a Nigerian Forest Reserve was carried in this study. The study site was the Ondo State Afforestation Project Forest road construction appears to be the most expensive single investment in forest operations and designing forest road to specification is a complex engineering problem involving economic, environmental and social factors. The study was carried out to assess the technical compliances to recommended land owners guide to building forest access road in a forest estate in Nigeria. The study was carried out at Ondo State Afforestation Project (OSAP) Headquarters, South West Nigeria. Data collected for the study involved collation of road parameters such as road length, carriage way, drain depth and width, and comparative analysis of these with standard road parameters. Data collected were then subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Result showed that the road width in all the locations ranged from 12.23m and 7.15 m with a mean of 9.42m as against the recommended 11.00m. The width of the carriage way ranged from 4.4m to 8.76m while the drain depth ranged from 0.51m and 1.20m in all the selected locations. The difference in the observed width and the standard width was significant at 5% level of probability. Both the observed carriage way width and drain depth were significantly different from the recommended standards. OSAP access roads therefore, fall short of the recommended standard landowners’ guide to building forest access roads.
Assessment of variation in the fiber characteristics of the wood of vitex doniana sweet and its suitability for paper production
(2014-03) Ogunjobi, K. M.; Adetogun, A. C.; Omole, A. O.
The study investigated the fibre characteristics and chemical composition of Vitex doniana towards determining its potentials for pulp and paper. Fibre dimensions are of great importance because of the strong correlation between it and the strength properties of wood and paper. Axial and radial examinations of fibre characteristics of naturally grown wood of Vitex doniana were investigated to determine its suitability for paper production. Wood slivers were prepared from slices, introduced into wash bottles containing equal volume (1:1) of glacial acetic acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide and investigated on a Rheichert Visopam microscope. Variations existed in the axial and radial direction of the wood. The mean values of fibre characteristics are: fibre length (1.48mm), fibre diameter (21.9μm), fibre lumen width (12.7μm) and fibre wall thickness of Vitex doniana was 4.9μ. The mean lignin, cellulose and extractive contents were 28.1%, 41.2% and 3.5% respectively. Based on the derived values: Slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient and Runkel ratio, species of Vitex doniana were considered to be good paper making materials.
Basic practical procedures in wood science
(Green Canopy Consultants, 2010) Ogunsanwo, O. Y.; Omole, A. O.
Biodegradation of triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum tectona grandis linn, gmelina arborea roxb, nauclea diderichii linn and terminalia ivorensis A. chev by lenzites palisoti Fr.
(Medwell Journals, 2010) Adetogun, A. C.; Oladapo, F. M.; Omole, A. O.; Ogunjobi, K. M.; Adejumo, R. O.
Triplochiton scleroxylon, Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, Nauclea diderichii and Teminalia ivorensis wood blocks were biodegraded in situ in the laboratory by Lenzites palisoti a white rot fungus. The test blocks were cut into 10x10x20mm and exposed into the infection region of pure culture of Lenzites palisoti for 16 weeks. The test blocks were examined for weight loss at 4 weeks interval. The percentages of weight loss obtained after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of incubation of the test blocks in Lenzites palisoti indicated that decay occurred at a relatively constant rate. After 16 weeks, micro morphological analysis of the decayed wood showed that the action of the cellulolytic enzymes of Lenzites palisoti was restricted to cell wall surface.
Conversion efficiency in re-saw wood processing mills of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
(Forest and Forest Products Society, 2011) Omole, A. O.; Imoh, B. M.
This study assesses the technical conversion efficiency (TCE) of thirty (30) wood re-saw mills purposively selected and grouped into six (6) locations in Akwa Ibom State. Three hundred (300) flitches obtained from fifteen (15) species of wood from Akwa Thorn State, Nigeria were examined. Variables such as wood species, flitch dimensions, saw blade thickness, sawyers' experiences and working environment factors were examined for efficiency determination. Information on operation and working environment were examined using ergonomics checklist. Data were generated using standard units of measurement, checklist and formulae. Data generated were subjected to statistical analyses using descriptive and multiple regression models. The study revealed that plank recovery ranged from 58.86% to 76.92% on individual flitch basis, percentage waste ranged from 23.08% to 28.26% and a mean plank recovery and percentages waste of 71.76% and 28.02% respectively for all sampled flitches. Variations in flitches dimension classes had significant influence on percentage wood recovery, saw dust, plank, at (P < 0.05). Significant correlation also exists between flitch dimension class and plank recovery. Noticeable variation in percentage wood recovery was observed among the various wood species. Ceiba pentandra had the highest mean plank recovery of 76.31% while Mammea africana had the least (58.31%). For reasonable reduction of wood waste generated in re-saw mills, greater use of flitches with higher thickness, routine maintenance of machines especially saw blade, experience sawyers are necessary.
Damages induced in the woods of some tropical trees during felling
(2010-09) Omole, A. O.
Merchantable trees in tropical forests are usually widely scattered and the cost of road construction and logging operations are expensive. This calls for finding ways of minimizing felling-induced mechanical damages on wood. This study was carried out to assess and document the magnitude of the incidental damages during the felling of some Nigerian hardwood species in Shasha Forest Reserve in Osun State Nigeria. With utilization potentials and rate of cropping a criteria data were collected with the aid of a checklist on mine species in five different forest stands within the reserve. These include height, diameter, green moisture contents, and estimate of exploitable logs as well as some wood properties. The volume of each tree was computed and the damaged volumes were estimated after felling. Analyses of data were carried out using simple percentages and regression models. Results showed that there are wide variations between and within the studied species with respect of both the tree and wood characteristics. The least average tree height of 40.39m was recorded for Mansonia altissima while the highest average tree height of 56.61m was recorded for Khaya Ivorensis. Merchantable tree volume ranged from 13.68m3 for Mansonia to 46.25m3 for Entandrophragma angolensis while green density ranged from 936.91kg/m3 tp 1845.95kg/m3 and moisture content ranged and 108.09% and 147.05% respectively. Visual assessment of damage volume shows that the degree of damage expressed as a percentage in the studied species ranged between 6.25% and 13.15%. The average damage volume per species is between 7.39% and 12.66% for the selected species. The regression models revealed that the magnitude of the damage portion has significant relationship with tree height, volume and weight.
Dimensional properties of wood cement panels produced from wood waste of some municipal tree species in University of Ibadan
(Forests and Forest Products Society, 2010) Omole, A. O.; Adetogun, A. C.
A study was carried out to investigate the dimensional properties of cement bonded particle board from waste of 3 urban trees common in University of Ibadan campus. The 3 wood species used for board production are: Gmelina arborea, Delonix regia,and Samanea sena. The dimensional properties investigated are thickness swelling and water absorption. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 probability level. Results showed that the mean values obtained for the thickness swelling (TS) after 24- and 48-hours of water immersion ranged from 0.52% - 7.72% and 0.51% - 7.66%. Cement-bonded particleboard made from Gmelina arborea sawdust have the lowest value of thickness swelling of 0.51% followed by Samanea sena of 1.79% and least thickness swelling value of 5.96% from Delonix regia. The effect of wood species, mixing ratio levels and interaction were significantly different at 5% significance level. The mean value of obtained for the water absorption (WA) after 24- and 48-hours of water immersion ranged from 29.60%- 11.47% and 33.34% - 14.20%. All the wood species used in the production of cement-bonded particleboards show decrease in the physical properties assessed as the mixing ratio level of the cement binder increases in the production.
Effect of shelling ratios on the sorption and flexural properties of cement bonded particleboard produced from mixed Nigerian hardwood species
(Forest and Forest Products Society, 2014) Badejo, S. O.; Omole, A. O.; Fuwape, J. A.
Panel layer characteristics, otherwise referred to as shelling ratio, relate to the proportional ratio between the thickness of the fine surface layer and flake core layer materials in a 3-layered particleboard. The experiment was carried out in order to determine the most favourable core-surface thickness ratio at which board properties are maximized. To achieve this, experimental cement-bonded particleboards were made using three sawdust surface/flake core layer thickness ratios d 1 : 2, 1 : 1 and 2 : 1. Each of the ratio was considered at two board density IeveIs of 1100 and 1200 kg/m3 and two cement/wood mixing ratio of 2.25 : 1.0 and 2.75: 1.0. The experimental arrangement is a three-factor factorial experiment which manifested in 12 treatment combinations. The experimental boards produced were subjected to modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus oSf elasticity (MOE), water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS) and linear expansion (LE) tests. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and multiple linear regressions. The mean Moduli of Rupture and Elasticity (MOR and MOE) obtained ranged from 4.23 to 11.92 N/mm2 and 1950 to 4140 N/mm2 respectively. Water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) ranged from 24.75 to 10.58% (WA) a d 0.41 to 4.01% (TS). It noted that the mean values of MOR and MOE obtained at the sawdust surface layer/flake core layer thickness ratio of 1 : 2 were significantly superior at 5% level of probability to those obtained at the thickness ratio levels of 1 : 1 and 21.1. On the other hand however, the mean values of WA and TS obtained at the sawdust surface layer/flake core layer thickness ratio of 2 : 1 were significantly superior at 5% level of probability to those obtained at thickness ratio levels of 1 : 2 and 1 : 1. of sawdust to flake contents of board. The highest strength and stiffness values obtained at the thickness ratio level of 1 : 2 of sawdust surface layer flake core layer notwithstanding, the thickness ratio level of 2 :1, which implies cement-bonded particleboard production at increased sawdust content and decreased flake content, was selected applied as a the optimum. This being so, in view of the fact that the overriding objective of the study was to 6 mm thick cement-bonded particleboards which could be resistant to moisture and adequate for house ceiling.
Effect of wood properties on incidental damages to felled trees in some selected Nigerian hardwood species
(Forestry Association of Nigeria, 2010-12) Omole, A. O.
Tropical timbers are usually heavily crowned and bulky. Felling of a mature tree of any such species is always accompanied by considerable impact resulting in heavy dynamic stresses being set up within the felled tree. These stresses cause much damage to wood fibres in particular and to a Iarger extent, to the amorphous middle lamella. This study was carried out to investigate the influences wood properties on the magnitude of the induced stress and associated incidental damage in nine matured tropical timbers grown in Nigerian low land rain forest. Data were collected on tree characteristics with the aid of a checklist using time study and work analysis. During felling, duration of impact was estimated experimentally. Data collected were analyzed using a combination of multiple linear regression and correlation analyses in assess the extent of association and relationship as well as the level of predictability among the evaluated properties. Results showed that the average moisture of green wood ranged between 108% and 147% while the average density of green wood from 939.91kg/m3 and 1845kg/m3 for all the species. Observed average maximum dynamic stress ranged between 8.38 x 106N/m2 and 18.75 x 106N/m2. Of the 27 fitted models for the study species per variable and on the basis of coefficient of multiple determination (R2), standard error (SE) value and significance of the regression model, 3 models were selected for damages and 7 for maximum dynamic stress. Significant relationship was established between maximum dynamic stress, damage volume, tree species, tree height, tree mass, stem diameter and angular velocity at P < 0.05. The magnitude of the dynamic stresses (9.08x106 N/m2 - 18.75 x 106N/m2) and force generated at impact (1.498 x 10 Ns - 7.588x 106Ns) are considerably high and these are dictated by species, tree/ height, tree diameter, tree mass and angular velocity. Regression models showed that these factors can be responsible for as high as 71% of the MDS induced in the wood of the felled tree as in the case of Terminalia superba. The use of regression models to study the dynamic stresses induced in wood and the associated mechanical damages during felling is offers a valuable contribution to existing knowledge in logging industries in the tropical rain forest.
Effectiveness of bioengineering methods of water erosion control in Tarka valley versant , Niger Republic
(Ecological Society of Nigeria, 2012) Omole, A. O.; Oumarou, A.
Erosion problem is recognized as a serious threat to human beings, forestry and agricultural activities in the rural areas of Niger Republic. The effectiveness of three Bio-engineering methods of water erosion control in the degraded land of two villages in Bouza local government area, of the Niger Republic was assessed. These two villages are highly susceptible to water erosion. The three methods of erosion control used were wall of stone, Trench and Demi-Lune. Trees and herbaceous plants were then introduced to the reclaimed land to green up the environment. After generation, data collected include rate of soil cover by herbaceous vegetation, inventory of woody and herbaceous vegetation, stand density and the survival rate of planted trees. Result showed high biomass production and great density of herbaceous species of different families with the highest species frequency being Gramineae. The total biomass production for the two sites was estimated at about 413.15 and 461.12 tons for Babarangua and Kougouptache respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the site has no significant influence on biomass production while the technique adopted exhibit significant influence on production at the same level of probability. The wall of stone technique gave the best result in herbaceous production while the trench and Demi-lune technique ensure good rate of tree survival for the planted trees. The three methods were effective in erosion control in two sites.
Effects of process variables on the strength properties of veneer laminated cement bonded particle board from mixed tropical hardwoods
(1999) Omole, A. O.; Badejo, S. O. O.
Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) of veneer laminated wood cement panel were evaluated. The boards were made of 3 layers comprising 1.5 mm thick mixed hardwoods sawdust for the two surfaces, and 9mm thick core layer made of plantation grown Gmelina arboma flakes. Three variables were investigated namely: Density at three levels (1000 kg/m3, 1100kg/m3 and 1200 kg/m3), Cement wood ratios of 2.5:1.0, 2.75:1.0 and 3.0:1.0 and glue spread of 1.02 kg/m2, 1.43 kg/m2 and 1,74 kg/m2 double due line (DGL) for the boards lamination. For all the treatment combinations, the MOR ranged from 26.79 N/mm to 42.59 N/mm2 while for MOE, the mean value was in the range of 3114N/mm2 to 5310N/mm2. At board density level of 1250 kg/m3 the laminated panels gave value of the highest MOR and MOE. Statistical analysis showed that the three variables considered in this study had significant on the board strength.
Environmentally sound wood harvesting in Omo forest reserve Ogun State Nigeria
(2011) Omole, A. O.
The depletion of the notion's forest reserves through improper wood harvesting methods is alarming and threatening. The trend has been giving all stakeholders serious concern and it has become imperative for a research to be undertaken to find an alternative and better logging method that is environmentally sound and acceptable. A work study was therefore carried out to assess and compare damages and productivity in both Conventional Logging System (CLS) and Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) in a Nigerian forest reserves. Data for the study were collected on damages to residual plants and productivity per time per harvesting method using a time study and work analysis approach. The data so collected were then subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistical processing. Results show that RIL can reduce damages to residual stand by close to 50 percent when compared to CLS. Result of time study show that the average time required for felIing of a tree in RIL and CLS are 9.91 and 7.52 minutes respectively. The productivity in RIL is 78.58m3/hour while it is 89.25m3/hour for CLS. Statistical analyses show that productivity in RIL is not significantly different from productivity in CLS but largely depends on the volume of the harvested tree. It is recommended that RIL be adopted and encouraged in wood exploitation to promote environmentally sound wood exploitation in Nigerian forest estates.
Ergonomics assessments of forestry operations in Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria
(Forests and Forest Products Society, 2010-04) Omole, A. O.; Adetogun, A. C.; Ogunjobi, K. M.
Research has been intensified In finding ways of improving tree quality, soil conservation, planting and fertilizing techniques and all other factor affecting tree but man who makes success possible for the forest industry, has received far less attention. It is in view of the above that this study assessed the working environment of a logging crew and saw mill workers in Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria. 42% of the work force reported that the tools and equipments had effects on their working efficiency. A11 the workers were exposed to noise but only 58% asserted that the noise affected their working efficiency and health. Despite their observations, none of the workers interviewed had ever gone for an auditory test and do not use protective equipment such as ear gear because they were not provide with one. An evaluation of the workers' assessment of their living condition revealed that 42% felt that if was good, 33% very good, 17% excellent and 8% stated that it was fair. The study revealed that the level of awareness by the workers was poor and management of the reserve did not take safely measures into consideration. The management should conduct a regular ergonomic assessment of its workforce towards ascertaining their state of health and awareness on precaution measures and safety regulations should be strengthened. It is expedient that the management finds a way of improving the working condition and interacting regularly with the workers in order to improve their working efficiency and productivity.
Felling induced dynamic stresses in some tropical hardwoods from Nigerian lowland rainforest
(2011-06) Omole, A. O.
A study was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of dynamic stresses (MDS) induced in some mature tropical hardwood species during felling operation and their effect on the harvested wood. Five areas in Shasha forest reserve, Osun State, Nigeria were selected as the study sites because of the prevalent high. Two hundred and eighty nine trees represented by nine different species were studied. The species are Afzelia africana, Nauclea diderrichii, Terminalia superba, Khaya ivorensis, and Triplochiton scleroxylon Entandrophragma angolensis, Cordia milleniii, Mansonia altissima and Milicia excelsa. Using a checklist, information were collected on tree factors, terrain of the sites and experience of the operators. During felling of each tree, the duration of impact was estimated. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. The average content of the green wood ranged from 108% to 147% (dry basis) for all the species. The average impact force ranged from 1.498 X 106N to 7.588 X 106N, while the maximum dynamic stress ranged from 8.38 x 106 N/m2 for Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche) to 18.75 x 106N/m2 for Nauclea diderrichii (Opepe). The observed values of dynamic stress are very much higher than the ultimate static stress values for all the species and this will definitely affect the wood quality of the felled trees.
Flexural properties of wood cement board fabricated from cropping wastes of urban trees in a Nigerian University
(2011) Omole, A. O.; Adetogun, A. C.
The study was undertaken to investigate the possibilities of producing cement bonded particle boards from wood wastes generated From 3 urban wood species in University of Ibadan with a view to evaluating the bending properties of cement boards so produced. The materials used for the boards’ fabrication were wood wastes of Gmelina arborea, Delonix regia, Samena sena, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), water and calcium chloride. The bending properties evaluated are the Modulus of rupture (MOR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 probability level. Results showed that the mean MOR values obtained from the fabricated boards ranged From 3.71N/mm2 to 16.63N/mm2 while the mean MOE recorded ranged from 1450.8N/mm2 to 66654.9Nmm2. The highest mean MOR was recorded from the boards produced with Gmelina arborea but Samena sena produced the strongest boards. Stronger and stiffer boards were obtained at increasing levels cement/wood mixing ratio. The effect of wood species, mixing ratio levels and interaction were significantly different at 5% significant level.
Influence of flake thickness on flexural and moisture properties of wood cement panels fabricated from mixed furnish of eight hardwood species
(Faculty of Agric and Forestry, University of Ibadan, 2012) Badejo, S. O.; Omole, A. O.
The study was undertaken to investigate the influences of flake thickness on physical and mechanical properties of wood cement panel produce from mixed hardwoods species. The properties investigated are modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS) and linear expansion (LE) of the experimental cement-bonded particleboards. Both the moduli MOR and MOE of specimens were calculated as specified in the ASTM Standard No D-1037 of 1978. MOR and MOE ranged from 6.04N/mm2 to 11.96 N/mm2 and 3110N/mm2 to 5060 N/mm2, respectively. Flake thickness had a significant effect on MOR and MOE at the 5% and 1% level of significance, respectively. Both cement/wood ratio and board density had a significant effect on MOR at the 1% level. Flake thickness was negatively and linearly correlated with MOR and MOE: On the other hand, cement/wood mixing ratio and board density were positively and linearly correlated with MOR and MOE. WA and TS tests for the study ranged from 34.60 to 44.04% and 0.57 to 1.61%, respectively. Analyses show that flake thickness, cement/wood mixing ratio, and board density had significant effects on WA and TS at the 1% level of significance. Results showed that WA and TS of the experimental panels increased as the thickness size of the particles increased from 0.250 to 0500mm.Two-way or three way significant interactions were not found to be significant between and among the three production variables applied in the experiment. The thinner the flakes used in board production, the stronger; stiffer and more dimensionally stable the cement-bonded particleboards.
Investigation of pulping potentials of jatropha curcas
(2013-10) Ogunjobi, K. M.; Adetogun, A. C.; Soetan, D. O.; Omole, A. O.; Olorunfemi, O.; Odebiyi, J. B.
The study investigated the pulping potentials of Jathropha curcas, Samples of sawdust, shaving and splinters were taken at three sampling heights (20%, 50% and 90%) and macerated using glacial acetic acid (CH3COOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in ratio 1:1. Result of fibre characteristics showed that mean fibre length ranged from 0.216mm at top 0.243mm at middle and 0.244mm at the base. Mean fibre diameter of sawdust (0.01053mm) was highest followed by 0.01028mm for splint and shaving had 0.01002mm. Highest lumen width was recorded at top. Both sampling height and within sample exhibited. Runkel ratio of less than 1 while Flexibility coefficient compared favourably with other species. This study showed that Jatropha stem can be used as an alternative in pulp and paper industry taking advantage of its appreciable short fibre length and Runkel ratio of less than 1.
Municipal tree management in a Nigerian university
(Ecological Society of Nigeria, 2008) Omole, A. O.
There is a growing recognition that municipal trees improve the quality of life in many ways through the provision of both goods and services. For proper tapping of the benefits, urban residents also need to manage the municipal trees sustainability. Thus, the study is carried out to assess the management technique for the municipal trees in University of Ibadan campus. A technical assessment of the activities of the operations crew of the Campus Tree Management Committee saddled with the responsibility of managing the trees was carried out for a period of five years. Using a checklist and job profile form, information were collected on tools and equipment used by the tree management committee; number of request per year: location and number of treated cases; species of the treated cases; type of treatment provided; working conditions of the crew and methods adopted; efficiency of the operation; and hazards and safety of the operations team. Data collected were analyzed wing descriptive statistics. The study revealed that all the stakeholders appreciated the importance of the municipal tree on campus. Fifty eight percent of the requests and 100% of emergency cases were attended to and a total of 369 trees of different species were treated. The crew members are experienced in urban tree management, but there is need to procure modern equipment for tree management in residential areas to reduce the work stress and hazards of the job. There is need to involve the entire University community in the management of the trees through development of policies that will minimize the disturbance of municipal trees, promote a tree friendly attitude in relation to development and expansion. Considering the number of dangerous trees being removed presently on the campus, there is therefore the urgent need to improve on the effort to plant new trees.