Purpose:

To evaluate tree health in the Guadalajara Metropolitan area through WorldView-2 multispectral satellite images.

Methodology:

The multiple masking and the maximum likelihood classifier methods were used to analyze variation in the values of spectral bands and vegetation indexies. Health classification analysis was applied using three masks: main species, foliage type, and general trees. Trees were classified according to health condition in the following categories: healthy, regular, poor, and declining. 800 trees were used as reference sites, which were evaluated in situ with the methodology of the US Forest Service.

Results:

Ash trees and jacarandas are among the species that were identified with a healthy condition. The highest precision for health condition (33%) was obtained through classification by type of foliage. It was estimated that only 24% of the trees evaluated in 13 854 ha have a healthy or regular condition.

Limitations:

To consider the classification by pixels rather than whole individuals to increase accuracy.

Findings:

The use of satellite images allowed for the evaluation of health condition of urban trees in the city. The classification by type of foliage was the most effective but the high diversity of trees in the area must be considered.