Action Step #10: Complete & Update Tree Inventory Data
Tree inventory data is the foundation for public safety and effective management planning.
Progress To-Date
Last Updated April 2020
Charlotte has an estimated 220,000 street trees under its management. While an inventory of these trees exists, it is both incomplete and outdated. A phased-approach to updating the tree inventory data is underway. A contractor (Plan-it Geo) was contracted to inventory an additional 20,600 large trees in late 2018 and early 2019. This provided important information on the health of these trees for maintenance planning. Our long range goal will require us to continue this tree inventory work in phases every year by contractors that are qualified to assess a tree's health and risk. This will require significant allocation of resources each year.
Additionally, a tree inventory software (Tree Plotter) was obtained that will allow citizens to find out more information about trees near their homes. It will also allow for volunteers to help compile information on smaller street trees.
Look for information on both Tree Plotter and the volunteer opportunity early in Summer 2020.
Original Action Step 10 Directive from 2017:
A comprehensive inventory of public trees (on streets and in parks) is the foundation for both public safety and effective management planning. An inventory is the basis on which all other urban forestry efforts (management plans, operation reviews, proactive maintenance, tree planting, and budget planning) should be evaluated. For this reason, it is the first step for many of the initiatives recommended in this plan.
Charlotte's existing tree inventory contains approximately 160,000 trees of the 185,000 publicly-owned trees (75-80% complete). In addition, some of the existing data may be dated and will require updating. Technology should also be upgraded to support daily field operations such as tree inspection recording, maintenance scheduling, and maintenance histories on a per-tree basis. The latest technology would also allow partner organizations like TreesCharlotte or other city departments to potentially record and track new tree plantings, ensuring that the urban forestry department is aware of all public trees installed.
Funds should be dedicated to a completion of the inventory data not yet acquired, for any technology upgrades to allow in-field data entry, as well as annual updates by staff in advance of cyclical care work (see management plan recommendation).
Next Steps:
Determine a process to complete the inventory, potentially including this work in the annual tasks described in a management plan. This can be done through hiring of contractors or by city staff, depending on available resources.
Define funding required to complete and maintain the inventory on an ongoing basis based on the method chosen above. Include this financial need in the management plan funding requirements.
Potential Owner: City Arborist Potential Participants: ?