Tree Inventories

What is a tree inventory?

A tree inventory is a systematic study and data collection of the location and condition of trees owned by a community.

Why does Washington County need a tree inventory?

Our county’s trees are largely without protections. Gathering information about them is the first step required in achieving the protections our neighborhood trees need.

Inventories can:

Provide a current record of trees being managed and their value.
A tree inventory will provide valuable information on the needs and condition of our urban forest. Once an inventory is complete, software can put a valuation on the trees and the services they provide,

Gather public support for our county’s trees.
This information will help unify our community to improve and invest in its trees, and provide information the county can use in their management and conservation.

Help maintain the trees in our communites.
An inventory provides locations of trees that require irrigation, pruning, or removal, and identify available planting sites. An inventory can help our community quickly locate trees under threat by an outbreak of pests or diseases, or provide information to plan for damage from storms.

Provide long-term assessment and monitoring of the tree population.
With this information, a future tree protection committee will be able to plan, prioritize, and budget tree removals, maintenance work, and plantings. It will also determine the value of our county's trees for stormwater management and other benefits. An inventory will also improve the chances of receiving grants and other assistance by documenting the condition of and care for the urban forest.

What does a Treekeepers WC tree inventory involve?

Treekeepers has begun to inventory street trees in urban unincorporated Washington County. They grow in the public right-of-way, in boulevard medians, and along streets without sidewalks and curbs.

A volunteer force to gather information

Treekeepers' volunteers gather data on sections of our urban forest’s street trees. Teams collect data such as location, species, measurements, and condition. No experience is necessary. We will provide the training and the tools.

Does that sound interesting to you?