Assessing a tree and its hollow(s)
If monitoring a hollow, nest box, or a cut-in:
- Select a tree. This can be in your backyard/front yard, street, park or paddock.
- Tree location (GPS or street address).
- Distance to nearest bushland.
- Identify the species of tree.
- Estimate the height of the tree.
- Estimate the height of the hollow from the ground.
- Estimate the canopy width.
- Record if the canopy is in contact with another tree’s canopy.
- Record the trees diameter at breast height.
- Estimate the size of the hollow entrance (small, medium or large).
- Determine if there are any other hollows in the tree and record how many.
- Specify the type of hollow.
- Specify the compass direction of the hollow.
- Specify the angle of the hollow.
- Specify the depth of the hollow (if possible).
- Take a photo of the tree and of the hollow.
- Record any other information, such as chewing around the hollow or glider feeding notches.
You may monitor as many tree hollows as you like (even if in the same tree) but a separate data sheet must be submitted for each tree hollow