Networks and Helpline » Tree Health Helpline

Tree Health Helpline

Helpline is an innovative outreach and solution providing mechanism by tapping the accumulated expertise in the field of soil science, entomology, pathology, Botany, silviculture, wood science, statistics and physiology. Problems faced at single tree level to those at nurseries and plantations are attended through the helpline

Queries related to tree planting and management like site selection, species site matching, planting, thinning, soil testing, fertilization, pest, disease and weed management, multi-species interactions, tree/wood sample identification, preservative treatment of wood and economic valuation of natural resources are attended by the helpline. The clientele of the service are the Kerala Forest Department, wood-based industries, other stakeholders, general public, students; private and public firms. A large number of queries are being attended to, problems diagnosed and remedies prescribed. Various Departments of KFRI like Soil Science, Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology, Forest Physiology, Forest Botany, Silviculture, Wood Science, Statistics and Wildlife are involved in the activity.

Services offered

  1. Site selection: Identifying the right locales for tree pLanting species
  2. Site matching: Identifying which tree species are suited for a given site
  3. Planting: Recommendations on spacing and time of planting
  4. Thinning: Information on when and how to thin woodlots
  5. Soil testing: Quantifying soil nutrients
  6. Fertilizer application: Recommendations on type, quantity and timing of fertilizer use
  7. Pest, disease and weed management: Protocols for monitoring and recommendations on pest, disease and weed control with special focus on eco-friendly methods
  8. Multi-species Interactions: Knowledge on species mixing and their planting protocols
  9. Landscape level / afforestation Programmes: logistical support for large scale tree planting efforts
  10. Tree/wood sample Identification: Identification of wood samples and their strength measurements
  11. Preservative treatments: Timber seasoning protocols and preservative treatment methods
  12. Economic valuation: Economic projection and valuation of woodlots

Contact: Tree Health Helpline
Kerala Forest Research Institute
Peechi P.O, Thrissur District, Kerala - 680653, India.
Tel:
e-mail: treehelp@kfri.res.in