Anticipating Silent Threats, Tree Health Workshop in Bali Highlights the Importance of Arboricultural Mitigation

Denpasar – The threat of falling trees in urban public spaces has become a serious concern, especially amid the increasingly extreme weather patterns. Addressing this pressing issue, the Landscape Architecture Study Program of the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, in collaboration with the Indonesian Society of Landscape Architects (IALI) Bali, held a Tree Health Maintenance Workshop on September 11–12, 2025.

The workshop, which was part of the 63rd Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebration of Udayana University, took place at the Postgraduate Building Hall of Udayana University. It was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Ir. I Nengah Sujaya, M.Agr., S.C., Ph.D., and attended by 30 participants including academics, researchers, and practitioners from various government and private institutions in Denpasar and Badung regencies.

This workshop was specifically designed to equip participants with essential skills in detecting and anticipating potential hazards in trees. Trees that appear strong from the outside may have hidden internal structural issues, such as weakened root systems or diseases attacking the trunk. Without proper inspection, such conditions can lead to tree failures that pose serious safety risks. Therefore, education in arboriculture—the science of planting, maintaining, and managing trees—is crucial. The workshop served as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and field application, providing practical solutions to a problem that is often overlooked.

The event featured two experts in the field of arboriculture: Ir. Rully Wijayakusuma from IALI West Java, and Dr. Ir. Arief Noor Rachmadiyanto, S.P., M.P., a senior researcher from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

Ir. Rully Wijayakusuma delivered sessions on how to assess tree health using manual methods, analyze risks, and develop appropriate mitigation recommendations. He trained participants to read the “language” of trees through careful visual observation—identifying signs of disease, poor root conditions, or structural defects in trunks and branches that may indicate danger. A hands-on field session on campus allowed participants to apply their newly acquired skills by directly observing tree conditions and discussing their findings.

The second speaker, Dr. Arief Noor Rachmadiyanto, introduced a more advanced, digital-based method of tree health assessment. This technology enables practitioners to diagnose internal tree conditions, such as hidden trunk decay, with high precision—without cutting or harming the tree. The digital approach complements manual methods by offering objective, accurate, and detailed data, which strengthens the basis for mitigation decisions.

Through the synergy of practical and scientific knowledge, the workshop served as concrete evidence of a strong commitment to environmental care and public safety. The Faculty of Agriculture at Udayana University hopes that the skills and competencies enhanced during the workshop will be applied beyond the classroom—put into real-world practice in managing urban greenery. It is expected that these proactive measures will continue to strengthen efforts to preserve green open spaces in Bali and ensure they remain safe and sustainable for all residents.