City of Gainesville - File #: 200307.

• File #: 200307.
• Version: 1
• Type: Discussion Item
• Status: Pending In Committee
• File created: 9/2/2020
• In control: Tree Advisory Board
• On agenda: 9/9/2020
• Title: ISA Florida Chapter Urban Tree Decay Study

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
9/9/2020	1	Tree Advisory Board	Discussed

Title

ISA Florida Chapter Urban Tree Decay Study

Explanation

The Florida Chapter of the ISA has funded a study which will examine the interaction of fungi and tree decay in some of the more common tree species found in Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa, Florida. Much of the existing research guiding the evaluation of tree decay caused by fruiting bodies is based in climates and tree species that are not found in Florida, thus creating a "biological disconnect" between the existing research and the actual species found locally. The project would then examine the role of fungi in the decline of tree species that are relevant to the region, creating a more specialized understanding of fungi and decay apart from the traditional understanding established by research conducted in other climates. Fruiting bodies would be sampled from street and public trees in Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa. The goal of the project is ultimately to provide local arborists with tools to identify the fungi that would actually be problematic to some of the most common trees found Florida, allowing them to better manage tree risks and hazards.