Projects
Dallas Zoo
Project Overview
Key Project Challenges
- Dense site in certain areas
- Steep slopes
- Project completed when most trees had no leaves for identification
- Coordination with zoo staff/handlers to work in areas containing animals
Key Project Outcomes
- 800 trees surveyed
- 106 (13.25%) of trees in poor or very poor condition
- Hazardous trees indentified to minimize future harm to humans and animals
Project Description
Tree Mann Solutions was brought in to inventory and assess the condition of all protected species of trees 8″ DBH and greater within certain areas of the Dallas Zoo. This included areas open to patrons, holding pens, and exhibit spaces across the zoo that may be impacted by upcoming improvement projects.
The site was very dense in some areas, with some also being on steep slopes not normally encountered on projects in the DFW area. The project was completed in February, a time when few species have leaves for identification, underscoring the importance of having an intimate knowledge of our common tree species and how to identify them. Coordination was also a challenge, with some areas containing animals and needing a handler escort. Surveying inhabitied areas required intense coordination with zoo staff/handlers to open gates, clear out areas needing inventory, and sometimes to fend off ornery animals who could not be moved.