ABSTRACT
Wind remains a strong abiotic agent associated with damages of forest trees. The vulnerability of a tree to windthrow is highly influenced by the ratio of tree total height to its stem diameter (RHD). However, RHD has been identified as an index and measure of tree and stand stability. This study assessed the stability and composition of open grown tree species in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Diameter at breast height (Dbh) and total height (THt) of one hundred and thirty-nine (139) trees species with Dbh ≥5.0 cm found within three departments of the University were measured. A total of 36 species from 17 families were identified with Myrtaceae and Combretaceae families having highest (28.8% and 21.6%, respectively) numbers of tree. RHD was found to have negative correlation with all the tree growth variables investigated except THt. However, this study reveals that about 79 % of the trees found in the study area had RHD <80, indicating stable and low risk or susceptibility to windthrow, wind-induced bending and breakage. Hence, trees with RHD >80 (21%) were recommended for felling as they pose threat to human life and properties in the study area.
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