Using GIS-Based management systems for tree populations can quickly change your management style from reactive to proactive. Goals become achievements; budgets fund priorities.

What is ArcGIS?

ArcGIS systems incorporate highly accurate, geo-spatial mapping technology with database analytics software to form the current gold standard of management for pretty much any object on Earth.  This information analysis tied to specific locations helps managers make high quality, data-informed decisions every day.  Not surprisingly, this tool is used to manage tree inventories by the vast majority of municipalities with large tree populations – world wide.  While it is common to see this system deployed for managing thousands of trees, it can be scaled for managers with hundreds or even dozens of trees.

Data Driven Tree Population Management.

Management for populations of trees typically consists of gathering data on tree health and stability while tracking maintenance costs.  Once this data is collected it can be used to manage the population proactively based on a set of priorities.  The tree population manager sets these priorities based on factors such as: tree benefits, maintenance costs, removal costs, tree risk, and the legal duty of care.  

Using experts to evaluate trees helps ensure high quality data collection; using expert guidance to analyze high quality data makes for well informed, proactive, management decisions. Proactive management usually identifies tree issues early, informing sound budgetary allocations. It typically results in reduced maintenance and mitigation costs, and increased health and safety within the tree population.

A GIS tree inventory allows tree managers to efficiently predict and prioritize tree maintenance schedules to match budget, then communicate work specifications to maintenance employees or contractors.  

• Create detailed work maps and data tables to send to service providers, reducing on-site meetings. 
• Proactively develop maintenance plans based on priority level and associated costs.
• Manage the annual maintenance budget based on the knowledge of species, size, and condition metrics in your tree population. 
• Process updates to the living inventory in real time to match changes in the tree population.