Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Introduction. In the Central Register of Nature Conservation Forms, 92 monumental trees were recorded in seven communes of the Gostyń district, and 161 such trees were included in the lists from the commune offices and the Piaski Forest District. The main goal of the study was to verify the number of magnificent trees, their dimensions and health condition compared to the data from the sources cited above.

Material and methods. The research was carried out in the growing season of 2018. Circumference, height and width of crown were measured, and the health condition of the trees was assessed. Their location (GPS) was determined and care treatments indicated.

Results. 196 monumental trees from 13 species and 10 families have been inventoried, which most often grow in forests and afforestations. These were domestic (8) and alien (5) species. Quercus robur (94) and Thuja plicata (45) were most common trees species. The measured trees have circumferences from 94 to 834 cm, and their heights were from 8 to 35 mm. In addition, 21 magnificent trees with monumental circuits were inventoried, which were not yet protected.

Conclusions. The presented research indicates a significant underestimation of the number of the monumental trees in the Gostyń district. Currently, 196 monumental trees were inventoried, and 92 or 161 individuals have been reported in the registers. Most of the protected trees are in very good or good health condition. However, some trees require professional care treatments.