Why Do a Tree Inventory?
Before you can take care of trees in your town or city, you have to know what’s there. A tree inventory helps collect accurate information about:
- How many trees are there?
- What kinds of trees?
- What condition are they in?
This information is the foundation for smart planning, tree care, and risk management.
Why Tree Inventories Matter
- Helps with planning: You can’t manage what you don’t know. Inventories help with planting, pruning, and removing trees.
- Reduces risk: If a tree causes damage or injury, having an inventory helps show that the city took steps to manage it.
- Saves money: You can make better decisions about tree care and maintenance.
- Keeps records updated: Trees are removed, planted, or change in condition—keeping the inventory current is important.
Ways to Do a Tree Inventory
How you collect information depends on your budget, community size, and goals. Here are three main options:
Professional Software & Consultants
- Special software is made just for tracking tree data.
- Consultants use GPS or GIS to map trees and give you a detailed management plan.
- Best for large communities with a budget for professional help.
- Tip: Check references before hiring a consultant and make sure tech support is included.
Paper Forms & Volunteers
- Volunteers can gather basic information with pen and paper.
- Great for small towns with limited funds.
- Collected data can be entered into a spreadsheet.
- Note: Not recommended for long-term management or risk planning.
Mobile Devices & Contractors
- City staff or contractors use handheld devices to record tree data.
- Quick, consistent, and relatively low cost.
- Good for keeping the data updated over time.
How Much Data Do You Need?
That depends on your community’s goals. You can:
- Record all trees on public property
- Focus only on street trees or park trees
- Start small by listing:
- Trees that may be hazardous
- Trees blocking road signs or views
- Trees on property lines
No matter the starting point, focus on safety and liability first. That’s a smart way to begin building a strong urban forestry program.
I-Tree Research Suite
The i-Tree Research Suite is a collection of tools developed primarily by the U.S. Forest Service, in collaboration with other partners, to quantify the benefits and structure of urban and rural forests. It offers peer-reviewed, science-based tools for understanding the ecosystem services trees provide; like air pollution removal, carbon sequestration, stormwater mitigation, and energy savings.
Communities can use the i-Tree Research Suite to assess their urban forest structure and quantify the environmental and economic benefits of trees, such as air pollution reduction, stormwater management, and energy savings. These tools help prioritize planting locations, choose effective tree species, and support urban planning decisions. They also provide data to justify funding, guide policy, and engage the public in sustainability efforts. The suite helps communities make informed, science-based decisions about managing and expanding their urban forests.
