Survey and management of avenue trees in the premises of University of Benin campuses, Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

Urban trees possess a range of social and cultural values, relating to aesthetics, safety, business and history. Trees planted in institutions  present great potential for urban tree management; but management strategies for trees may differ due to their structure. These trees  are often neglected, without adequate management plans thus limiting the potential of the trees, making these trees to become  environmental threats. This study assessed the survey and management of avenue trees in the university of Benin (UNIBEN) campuses.  Trees in the study areas were enumerated using walking survey. Data on availability of administrative provisions for management of the  avenue trees within the university campuses were collected by administering questionnaires to the officials of tree units on both  campuses and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total number of 1,591 avenue trees were identified along  the 20 major roads in UNIBEN Ugbowo campus with 61 different species. Tectona grandis was most abundant in terms of frequency (223) and relative frequency (14.02%). For Ekehuan campus a total of 52 avenue trees were identified along the 8 major roads with 15 different  species, with Mangifera indica the most +abundant in terms frequency (10) and relative frequency (19.23%). The study revealed that  management activities on both campuses especially that of Ekehuan campus was poor and recommended that there be an update and  development of management plan and unit (for Ekehuan campus) if species existence is to be sustained.