The expert system uses approximately 300 rules to determine which tree characteristics are desirable for a particular site, based on the user's answers to questions. Then a search of the database of 887 trees is made to find trees having these characteristics. The other screens were custom developed for Southern Trees. Horticulturists, urban forsters, landscape architects, engineers, citizens, the Cooperative Extension Service and Divisions of Forestry in the southern states have enjoyed access to a preliminary edition of this program. Customers of their services have been pleased with the quick access to reliable information.
Users are pleased with the quick, easy access to information.
Many report that the programs have replaced the need to page through a large number of books to gain access to plant information. This saves time and gives employees a renewed sense of pride in their work.