Page 12 - JulyAugust2016 Vol34 No2

Tree Inventory from page 11 data needed to determine specific levels and can be supported by detailed lists.
of funding needed for tree maintenance Many agencies have found that they
inventory to locate and manipulate and tree planting projected over a multi- have much greater success with budget
records, and select and schedule work. year period. With accurate data, annual requests that are based on the analysis
Improve Public Relations budget requests can be established, of high-quality data. Also, a good
prioritized, and justified. The tasks and inventory provides a solid basis for grant
Tree inventories can be used to better associated costs are clearly spelled out, applications.
serve the public by tracking service
requests. This allows the urban forest
manager to record requests, link them
with individual tree records, and prepare
inspection lists. Such a procedure is
especially useful to avoid multiple or
unnecessary visits to a site—for example,
if the inventory indicates that a tree is
not on public property or a work order
has already been issued. Most callers are
pleased that they have reached someone
who knows their tree and can answer
general questions or respond directly to
their request.

Tree inventories are also useful tools
for public education. The inventory
data, maps, or summary reports can be
distributed in print or on a website so the
public can access them. In this way, the
public can gain a better understanding of
the work of the Public Works department,
and become more willing to support the
program.
Justify Budgets

Up-to-date tree inventories provide the

12 TPW July/August 2016