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A Step-by-Step Guide to TakingUrban Forest InventoryMeasurementsThis publication provides a step-by-step guidebenefit mapping. A key aspect of benefit mappingto conducting measurements for use in an urban treeis applying a dollar value to trees based oninventory. In general, this guide reflects the measurementstheir individual characteristics. Using computerincluded in the U.S. Forest Service’s i-Tree Eco softwaresoftware, economic value can be assigned toprogram; however, measurements are fairly standardecosystem service benefits of urban trees suchvariables used in bottom-up urban forest inventories.as pollution removal (e.g., ozone, sulfur dioxide,nitrogen dioxide), carbon sequestration, andUrban Tree Inventories, i-Tree, andEquipmentWhat is a community tree inventory?A community tree inventory performs threeprimary functions:1.2.energy savings.What is a bottom-up tree inventory?A bottom-up inventory generates primary data fromon-the-ground inventory methods as opposed to aerialAs a database consisting of information aboutor satellite imagery (i.e., top-down inventory). Thisindividual trees. This information includesapproach requires a process of measuring individual treetree location, diameter, height, canopy width,characteristics and quality assurance/control. Field datacondition, and hazards.collection requires extensive planning, management, andAs a maintenance tool, the community treetime. Although it can be somewhat costly, the results caninventory enables managers to identify trees thatprovide more information than possible through top-downneed to be pruned, staked, fertilized, cabled, oranalyses. For these reasons, it is beneficial to perform aremoved. Urban forest managers use the inventorybottom-up inventory at some stage of the community treeto periodically review trees that have beeninventory.identified as hazards.3.aggregation of individual tree data to provideWhat is the scope of the bottom-up inventory (orhow much is enough)?information about a population of trees—alsoThe scope, also known as the sample, is one of theAs a management tool, the inventory enablesknown as the urban forest. Tree populationmost important decisions made in planning a bottom-upinformation includes species distribution andurban forest inventory. Determining the scope of thecanopy cover. A tree map enables communitysurvey depends on available resources and goals.forest managers to identify and prioritizeInventory projects have ranged from parks to smallcommunity canopy goals (e.g., planting andneighborhoods to cities to counties.maintenance), while accounting for condition ofA statistical representation of the urban forest requiresthe community forest (i.e., dead, critical, poor, fair,a random sample, whereby plots are placed randomlygood, very good, or excellent).across the landscape within boundaries of the study areaCreating a visual map of how urban forest benefits(e.g., the official city limits). A simple random sample isare distributed across the landscape is known asthe most basic form of random sample. A simple random
sample, however, may not provide a true picture of forestpractical alternative for assessing the urban forest. Becausecover since the urban forest is usually not distributeda full inventory is unlikely to be implemented acrossacross the landscape randomly.the entire community, it does not usually provide a truerepresentation of the urban forest.Simple random sample in Tupelo, MS (N 200). The greenareas represent trees.In a stratified random sample in Tupelo, MS (N 200). Thegreen areas represent trees. There are more points located intree areas than in the simple random sample.A stratified random sample offers an alternativestatistical representation with plots randomly allocatedaccording to land use. A stratified random sampledecreases the number of plots wasted on sites withWhat is i-Tree?little or no trees (e.g., large commercial parking lotsSeveral urban forest inventory software packagesand agriculture fields). However, because such sites areare available. Some are freeware (licensed to use free ofimportant characteristics of any populated place, somecharge), while others can be fairly expensive. Inventoryplots will still be placed there.software should have some basic data entry fields suchResearch has found that 200 tenth-acre plots in a givenas Global Positioning Systems (GPS) coordinates and treearea typically provide enough information for statisticalspecies. Preferably, additional entry fields would includeinference and benefit mapping while also maintaining antree height, diameter, crown width, crown missing,acceptable level of costs associated with data collectiondieback, land use, and ground cover attributes. Canopy(Nowak et al. 2008). Fewer points may be appropriate for ameasurements are needed to assess canopy attributes.small area, but a greater number of points decreases errorOne of the most commonly employed programs isin the sample. A statistical sample mitigates the effects ofthe USDA Forest Service’s i-Tree, available online at www.data collection error and landscape variation. The projectitreetools.org. i-Tree is a software suite produced with thefacilitator will add 5–10 percent more plots as “extra plots”collaboration of private and public partners. Currently,in case some of the original 200 are inaccessible. Once thethere are six applications: Eco, Streets, Hydro, Vue,community determines the scope, the project facilitatorDesign, and Canopy. Each application focuses on specificwill locate plots on a map using Geographic Informationobjectives. For example, Eco provides a broad spectrumSystem (GIS) technology. Plot center geo-coordinates andof data fields that, when combined with air pollution andthe map will then be distributed to volunteers.meteorological data, quantifies community forest structureFinally, a full inventory (also called a 100 percentand environmental effects and applies a monetary valueinventory) is often used to measure street trees, parks, andto tree benefits. By contrast, Hydro simulates the effectsother public areas. This project scope measures each treeof changes in tree and impervious cover characteristics onin the designated area. A full inventory is usually not astream flow and water quality.2
The i-Tree software suite is peer-reviewed, publicdomain, easy-to-use software that allows for scalableanalysis. In other words, results can be generalized fromindividual trees to neighborhood to city levels based on asample inventory. From this information, users can makemanagement recommendations such as species selection,address invasive species, and perform storm damageassessment. The remainder of this article focuses on theDiameter tapedata entry variables found within i-Tree Eco.ClinometerHow is data recorded?Example data sheets and respective “cheat sheets”for the plot inventory (Appendices 1 and 2) and thefull inventory (Appendices 3 and 4) can be found in theappendix to this document. The advantage of paper datainput sheets is there is no risk of technological failure,however, paper data sheets are somewhat cumbersometo use and are susceptible to other problematic factorsCompasssuch as getting wet while working in the field. Due to thenumber of variables being recorded, the data sheet must beGPS unitWhile additional or more expensive equipmentprinted on 8.5 by 11 inch paper. In addition, paper requirescould be used, we find this equipment is appropriate foran additional step—entering data into an electroniclimited budgets and for use with volunteers. If available,database—after measurements are taken. To address thesesmartphone apps may be used instead of the handhelddeficiencies in paper data sheets, MSU Extension offers acompass and GPS.smartphone application called MSUES TreeMetrics thatincludes each variable found in the paper data sheet. TheProceduresapp is downloadable to iOS and Android platforms fromNote: We suggest urban forest inventory facilitatorsthe MSU Extension app store.create an online public folder (e.g., Dropbox, GoogleIn addition to groundcover, stem, and canopyDrive) where volunteers can access maps, documents,measurements, we include at least a basic (yes/no) hazardPowerPoint presentations, literature, and additionalobservation measure. If desired, a positive response to thisinformation on procedures.measure on the data sheet indicates the need to completePlot Informationthe hazard identification sheet (Appendix 5). Each ofthe measurements found on these data sheets will beThe firstexplained in the following sections.measurements describethe plot where the tree(s)What equipment is needed?is found (Appendix 1MSU Extension recommends four pieces of equipmentand Appendix 2, page 1).to conduct a basic volunteer inventory:Plots are one-tenth of an1.diameter tapeacre, or 37.2 feet in radius.2.compassOnce plot center is found3.clinometerusing a GPS unit, the4.GPS unitRecording data onto the datasheet. Always use a pencil.data collectors measurea radius of 37.2 feetfrom plot center using a3
diameter tape. Every treePLOT PHONE: If the plot (or any portion) is locatedwith at least half the stemon private property, enter the telephone number. Thefalling inside the radius istelephone number will be available after the propertyconsidered within the plotowner has consented to the procedure (Appendices 6and should be measured.and 7). In some cases, special permission will need to beThe following is replicatedgranted to access public property. In such cases, the samefrom the Sample Plot Cheatpermission documentation should be used with accessSheet (Appendix 1). If agranted by the supervising authority.plot is located on privateOWNER NAME: Record the name of the owner ofproperty, access mustproperty (if public, note government entity).be granted by the ownerNOTES: Record anything noteworthy here. Record(Appendices 6 and 7).lack of access (e.g., property owner refusal orPLOT ID: Enter plot ID. Asenvironmental conditions).mentioned above, plots areMaking a waypoint using GPS.ACTUAL LAND USE AND PERCENT IN: The letterrandomly created within thefrom the list below is recorded along with percent ofborder of a given area. The plot ID is assigned by GIS software.each land use that falls within the plot. ProportionsThe facilitator describes the plot location using roads and otherare recorded in increments of 1–5 percent, then every 5geographic landmarks. A copy of a large-scale photo helpspercentage points. As with other qualitative estimates involunteers get reasonably close to the plot. Then, GPS is usedthe inventory, land use should be discussed and agreedto close in as much as possible to the plot center.upon by team members. Up to four land uses can bePLOT WP: Enter GPS waypoint of plot (not trees).recorded. Below are the land uses recognized by i-Tree.Typically, a handheld GPS unit is used (if the MSUResidential (R)Cemetery (E)Utility (U)Multi-familyGolf Course (G)Water/wetland (W)residential (M)Agriculture (A)Transportation (T)Commercial/Vacant (V)Other (O)Extension urban inventory app is not used), whichtypically incorporates error up to around 30 feet. Thevolunteer attempts to get as close as possible to the GPScoordinates. At this point, the volunteer marks a “centerpoint” of the plot using a landscaping flag, stick, rock,Industrial (C)or some other object. The plot is then measured using aPark (P)Institutional (I)radius of 37.2 feet (37 feet and 13/32 inches), or one-tenthof an acre. Different-sized plots can be used, but Nowak etal. (2008) suggest one-tenth acre is most effective for i-Treestatistics. Trees are considered within the plot if at leasthalf the stem at 4½ feet (known as diameter at breast heightor DBH) lies within the radius measure.DATE: Enter date of work.CREW: Enter crew ID. A unique crew ID is assigned by thefacilitator.GPS UNIT: Enter GPS unit ID. Crew ID and GPS unit IDare used to trace the data back to volunteer collectors aspart of quality control. If using the smartphone app, notapplicable (NA) can be entered here.PLOT ADDRESS: If the plot (or any portion) is located onThis one-tenth-acre plot has three trees. Tree number four ismore than halfway out of the plot, while tree number 1 hasmore than half the stem inside the plot boundary.private property, enter the plot address, including streetnumber, street, and zip code.4
This category includes sandHerbs (H): Herbaceous groundin playgrounds or addedcover, other than grass,as topping to existing soil.including agricultural cropsLarge solid rock outcropsMaintained grass (MG)should be listed as concrete.Bare soil (S)Unmaintained grass (UG)Water (W)Duff/mulch (D)The following metrics are for individual trees within theplot (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2, page 2). Data collectionfor living and dead trees starts with the tree closest to duenorth and proceeds in a clockwise direction.PLOT ID: Enter the plot ID from page 1 (PlotInformation) so that the individual tree information canThis plot has approximately 4% T, 1% W, 95% R.be linked to the correct plot.The number of trees on a plot can range from none to many.PLOT TREE COVER: Record the estimated percent of treecanopy over the plot. This is another qualitative estimateThis plot has approximately 40% tree cover, 0% shrub cover,2% T, 1% C, 1% W, 1% B, 95% MG.that should be discussed among team members.SHRUB COVER: Record the estimated percent of shrubcover in the plot. The facilitator will inform the volunteerswhat is classified as shrub cover.GROUND COVER: Record the percent ground coverin plot, which must total 100 percent. The crew notesthe percentage of the plot ground area that is coveredby the materials below. Estimation may be facilitated bydividing the plot in halves or quarters, then summing theproportions of each section.Building (B)Rock (R): Pervious rockConcrete (C)surfaces such as gravel,Tar (T): Blacktop/asphaltGround covers in this plot include tar, maintainedgrass, and some mulch around the tree. The land use isinstitutional.brick, or flagstone walkwaysor patios (without mortar).5
PLOT WP: Enter the GPSwaypoint for the plot from page 1.TREE ID: Record tree species(U if unknown, and takea photo and send to thefacilitator) using the UFOREabbreviations (www.itreetools.org/eco/resources/uforespecies list apr30 2012.pdf).DriplineSTATUS: The crew shouldVacant (V)Utility (U)Transportation (T)about whether the tree was:Institutional (I)Water/wetland (W)Other (O)P: Planted—the tree wasDBH: Record DBH (a relevant tree must be greater than orplanted intentionally (oftenequal to 1 inch at 4½ feet) on the uphill side to the nearestcharacterized by orderly0.1 inch/cm. Record up to six stems ( 1 inch) if the pithdiscuss and come to consensusUsing the tree code app torecord the tree ID UFOREabbreviation.union is belowground. If more than six stems, lower thepatterns, e.g., rows, and landscaping);measurement height to 1 foot aboveground and recordI: Ingrowth—the tree naturally regenerated;the DBH of the six largest stems. See Appendix 8 for DBHU: Unknown—planted vs. ingrowth cannot be determined.measuring procedures.Record dead trees as -1 and skip to the site variable.DR: Record direction of the tree from the center of plot usingazimuth in degrees. DR and DS are used as geographicreferences in addition tothe plot center waypoint.Geographic referencesare important for futureinventory updates.DS: Record tree distanceMeasuring DBH in multistemmed trees.from plot center to theTREE HEIGHT: i-Tree requires three height measurementsedge of the trunk.(Appendix 9).LAND USE: The previousTotal tree height: Measure height of the tree to the highestland use metric indicatedland use within the entireplot; this metric recordsvisible branch (alive or dead).A smartphone app makesrecording direction easy.Height to live top: Measure height to the highest visibleland use under individuallive branch. This height will be the same as total treetree canopies in the plot. Record land use to drip line. Theheight unless the tree is alive but the top of the crowndrip line is the very edge of the crown. Most of the time,is dead.this will be the same as the land use recorded for the plot.Height to crown base: Measure the tree height to the baseThe following land uses are used in the i-Tree software.(the lowest live foliage) of the crown. If the base is notResidential (R)Commercial/Cemetery (E)reachable using the diameter tape, the clinometer mustMulti-familyIndustrial (C)Golf Course (G)residential (M)Park (P)Agriculture (A)be used and measured using the same procedure asmeasuring total height.6
CROWNExtent of live topCrown width: Measure thewidth of each tree’s crown(to the nearest foot). Twovolunteers are needed tomeasure crown width.Making sure the diametertape touches the treestem to approximateIf the tree does not have any dead branches at the top, theheight to live top is the same as total height. In the case ofthis tree, height to live top is shorter than total height.the diameter of a circleencompassing the crown,Using the diameter tape tomeasure DBH. Follow the correctprocedure to hold the tape(Appendix 9).hold each end of theits leaves or shoots backward, resulting from disease,tape to the drip line andan unfavorable environment, or an unbalanced root torecord the measurement.shoot ratio.This procedure shouldCrown light exposure (CLE): Record the number of sides ofbe repeated in twothe tree receiving sunlight. The maximum is five (fourperpendicular directions: north–south and east–west.sides and top). As a rule of thumb, include each sidethat receives at least 50 percent sunlight.Percent canopy missing: This metric estimates percent ofbranches and foliage absent due to pruning, defoliation,IMPERVIOUS SURFACE: Estimate the percent of areauneven crown (i.e., irregular due to damage or somebeneath the dripline that is impervious to water. Often,other negative abiotic or biotic impact), or dwarf orthis will reflect the single tree metric for land use (above).sparse leaves.An impervious surface is one that does not allow water topenetrate into the soil. Greater areas of imperious surfaceCrown dieback (DB): Record percent branch dieback onresult in increased runoff.each side and top of crown area. Dieback is a conditionin which a tree or shrub begins to die from the tip ofMeasuring height to crown base using a diameter tape.Measuring tree height using a clinometer. Follow the correct procedure tohold the clinometer (Appendix 10).7
10%missingcrown25%missingcrownMeasuring crown width east and west.This tree has approximately 35% of its crown missing.TREES NEAR BLDGS: Identify trees ( 20 feet tall) thatare located within 60 feet of space-conditioned residentialor commercial buildings that are three stories or fewer inheight (e.g., two stories and an attic). Record the direction(D azimuth in degrees) to the closest part of the buildingand the distance (S if 60 ft., just note 60 ft.). Thesemetrics are needed for calculating energy savings.SITE: Indicate whether the tree is a street tree (yes Y) or nota street tree (no N). A street tree is any tree or part of a tree,including the canopy and root systems, that lies on or hasgrown onto or over public property, or in a public right of way.This tree has approximately 25% crown dieback.Imagine a box covering the crown to measure CLE. Atree can have up to five sides exposed to sunlight.Measuring crown width north and south.8
complete the additional hazard identification form (Appendix5). If a hazard is indicated, arborists will return to the tree toassess it.Additional ReadingDavid J. Nowak, Jeffrey T. Walton, Jack C. Stevens, DanielE. Crane, and Robert E. Hoehn (2008) Effect of Plotand Sample Size on Timing and Precision of UrbanForest Assessments. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry,34(6):386–390.David J. Nowak, Daniel E. Crane, Jack C. Stevens, Robert E.Measuring distance to the closest building using a diameter tape.Hoehn, Jeffrey T. Walton, Jerry Bond (2008) A GroundBased Method of Assessing Urban Forest Structure andHAZARD: Mark yes or no to indicate whether the overallEcosystem Services. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry,tree, foliage, branches/bole show indications of pest,34(6):347–358.disease, or if tree/branches could be a hazard. A hazardBrady Self. (2019). Community Forestry: Another Wayis any tree/part of tree that may cause harm to peopleor property (e.g., car). It is important to understand thatof Thinking about Forest Management, IS1958. MSUonly a certified arborist should conduct a complete tree riskExtension Service.assessment due to liability concerns. However, becauseJason Gordon. (2017). Conducting a Community Treethey are observing many trees, volunteers are invaluable forInventory, P2811. MSU Extension Service.identifying obvious, major problems. If a tree is a hazard,US Forest Service. (n.d.) i-Tree Streets User’s Manual v5.x.Retrieved January 19, 2015, from www.itreetools.org/ecoUFORE Methods (n.d.) Retrieved January 19, 2015,from thods.pdf9
Appendix 1. Image of data sheet (page 1, Plot Data) to be used for sample plots inventory.10
11Appendix 1 (continued). Image of data sheet (page 2, Tree Data) to be used for sample plots inventory.
Appendix 2: Cheat sheet to be used for sample plots inventory data sheetPAGE 1 (Plot data)PLOT ID: Enter plot IDPLOT WP: Enter GPS waypoint of plot (not trees)DATE: Enter date of workCREW: Enter crew IDGPS UNIT: Enter GPS Unit IDPLOT ADDRESS: Self explanatoryPLOT PHONE: Self explanatoryOWNER NAME: Owner of property (if public, note government entity)NOTES: Record anything noteworthy here. Record lack of access (e.g., property owner refusal, poor environmentalconditions)ACTUAL LAND USE AND PERCENT IN: Record land use and percent in plot.Residential (R)Golf Course (G)Water/wetland (W)Multi-family residential (M)Agriculture (A)Transportation (T)Commercial/Industrial (C)Vacant (V)Other (O)Park (P)Institutional (I)Cemetery (E)Utility (U)PLOT TREE COVER: Record percent tree cover in plot.SHRUB COVER: Record percent shrub cover in plot.GROUND COVER: Record percent ground cover in plot. Must add to 100%.The crew notes the percentage of the plotground area that is covered by the following materials:Building (B)Concrete (C)Bare soil (S)Tar (T): Blacktop/asphaltDuff/mulch (D)Rock (R): Pervious rock surfaces such as gravel, brick,Herbs (H): Herbaceous ground cover, other than grass,or flagstone walkways or patios (without mortar). Thisincluding agricultural cropscategory includes sand in playgrounds or added as topping Maintained grass (MG)to existing soil. Large solid rock outcrops should be listed asUnmaintained grass (UG)concrete.Water (W)12
PAGE 2 (Tree data)Data collection for living and dead trees starts with the tree farthest to the north and proceeds in a clockwise direction.PLOT ID: Enter plot ID from page 1PLOT WP: Enter GPS waypoint for plot from page 1TREE ID: abbreviated tree species (U if unknown, and take photo and send to coach)STATUS: P: Planted—the tree was planted intentionallyI: Ingrowth—the tree is naturally regeneratedU: Unknown—planted vs. ingrowth cannot be determinedRecord dead trees as -1 and skip to Site.DR: Direction of tree from center of plot (azimuth in degrees)DS: Distance of tree from plot center to edge of trunkLAND USE: Record land use to drip lineResidential (R)Golf Course (G)Water/wetland (W)Multi-family residential (M)Agriculture (A)Transportation (T)Commercial/Industrial (C)Vacant (V)Other (O)Park (P)Institutional (I)Cemetery (E)Utility (U)DBH: Record the tree’s DBH ( 1 inch at 4.5 feet) on the uphill side to the nearest 0.1 inch. Record up to 6 stems ( 1 in) ifthe pith union is below ground. If more than 6 stems, lower measurement height to 1 ft above ground and record DBH ofup to the 6 largest stems.TREE HEIGHT: Total tree height: Measure the height to top (alive or dead) of tree. Height to live top: This height will bethe same as total tree height unless the tree is alive but the top of the crown is dead. Height to crown base: Measure heightto base of live crown.CROWNCrown width: Measure crown width (to nearest foot) in two perpendicular directions: north-south and east-west.Percent canopy missing: Estimate the percent foliage absent due to pruning, defoliation, uneven crown, or dwarf orsparse leaves.Crown dieback (DB): Percent branch dieback on side(s) and top of crown area.Crown light exposure (CLE): Number of tree sides receiving sunlight from above (maximum of five).Percent impervious surface under the tree: Estimate percent area beneath the dripline that is impervious.TREES NEAR BLDGSFor trees ( 20 ft. tall) located within 60 ft. of space-conditioned residential buildings that are three stories or fewer inheight (two stories and an attic), record the direction (D azimuth in degrees) from the tree to the closest part of thebuilding and the distance (S if 60 ft, just note 60 ft).13
SITEIndicate street tree YES (Y) or NO (N) if tree is located on edge of street.HAZARDMark YES (Y) or NO (N) if overall tree, foliage, branches/bole show indications of pest, disease, or if tree/branches couldbe a hazard. A hazard is any tree/part of tree that may cause harm to people or property (e.g., car). We are looking forobvious, major problems here. If tree is a hazard, complete additional hazard identification form. If a hazard is indicated,arborists will return to the tree to assess it.14
15Appendix 3. Image of data sheet to be used for 100 percent inventory.
Appendix 4: Cheat sheet to be used with 100 percent inventory data sheet100 Percent Inventory Cheat SheetDATE: Enter date of workCREW: Enter crew IDGPS UNIT: Enter GPS Unit IDLOCATION: Enter location – “Miller Park”LAND USE: Record the predominant ( 50%) land use in which the trees are locatedResidential (R)Golf Course (G)Water/wetland (W)Multi-family residential (M)Agriculture (A)Transportation (T)Commercial/Industrial (C)Vacant (V)Other (O)Park (P)Institutional (I)Cemetery (E)Utility (U)WP: Enter GPS waypointTREE ID: abbreviated tree species (U if unknown and take photo)STATUS: P: Planted—the tree was planted intentionallyI: Ingrowth—the tree is naturally regeneratedU: Unknown—planted vs. ingrowth cannot be determined-1: Dead treesGROUND COVER: Must add to 100%. The crew notes percentage of the plot ground area covered by the followingmaterials (up to 4):Building (B)Rock (R): Pervious rock surfaces such as Herbs (H)Concrete (C)gravelGrass (MG)Tar (T): Blacktop/asphaltBare soil (S)Unmaintained grass (UG)Duff/mulch (D)Water (W)DBH: Record the tree’s DBH ( 1 in at 4.5 ft) on the uphill side to the nearest 0.1 inch/cm.Record up to 6 stems ( 1 in) if pith union is below ground. If more than 6 stems, lower measurement height to 1 ft aboveground and record DBH of up to the 6 largest stems.TREE HEIGHT: Total tree height: Measure height to top (alive or dead) of tree. Height to live top: This height will be thesame as total tree height unless the tree is alive and the top of the crown is dead. Height to crown base: Measure height tobase of live crown.CROWNCrown width: Measure crown width (to nearest ft or m) in two perpendicular directions: north-south and east-west.Percent canopy missing: Estimate the percent foliage absent due to pruning, dieback, defoliation, uneven crown, or dwarfor sparse leaves. Do not include normal interior crown voids due to leaf shading.Crown dieback (DB): Percent branch dieback on side(s) and top of crown area.Crown light exposure (CLE): Number of tree sides receiving sunlight from above (maximum of five).Percent impervious surface under the tree: Estimate percent area beneath the dripline that is impervious.16
TREES NEAR BLDGSTrees near buildings: Enter the direction (D) and distance (S) to the three closest buildings (if 60 ft, note 60 ft).SITEIndicate street tree YES (Y) or NO (N) if tree is located on edge of street.HAZARDMark YES (Y) or NO (N) if overall tree, foliage, branches/bole show indications of pest, disease, or if tree/branches couldbe a hazard. A hazard is any tree/part of tree that may cause harm to people or property (e.g., car). If tree is a hazard,complete additional hazard identification form.17
Appendix 5. Tree hazard data sheet for volunteer-based urban forest inventories.(Explanation is provided during tree hazard training.)18
Appendix 6. Property access request form.Dear Homeowner:Local volunteers representing [sponsor] will be conducting an urban tree inventory throughout [timeline]. This projectwill utilize the i-Tree Eco - Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) Model developed by the US Forest Service to quantify thecomposition (tree type, size, health, etc.) and environmental benefits of [city]’s trees. Statewide, urban trees are worthbillions of dollars and annually provide millions of dollars’ worth of environmental benefits. In addition, these volunteerswill assess health condition of trees so that [city] can prioritize pruning and removals. Altogether, this information isneeded to develop a comprehensive urban forest management plan for [city].Approximately 200 randomly distributed 1/10 acre sample plots have been identified throughout [city]. One of theseplots (or a portion thereof) is located on your property. We are requesting permission to access your yard to collectinformation on trees within the sample plot including tree type, size, crown coverage and density, and overall health.There are no immediate benefits to you; however, if one or more of your trees is determined to be in poor condition, acertified arborist will contact you to offer a professional opinion.Measurements will not harm the trees in any way and only trees within the plot will be measured. The volunteersconducting the activity assume full responsibility for any risks of loss or injury to person or property that may besustained and waive any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action, whatsoever arising out
Several urban forest inventory software packages are available. Some are freeware (licensed to use free of charge), while others can be fairly expensive. Inventory software should have some basic data entry fields such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) coordinates and tree s
