Q: What is the difference between an Inventory and a Management Plan??

The Inventory is the data (the "what" and "where"). The Management Plan is the strategy (the "when" and "how"). Once we collect the inventory data, our Registered Consulting Arborists analyze it to create a Management Plan. This document prioritizes work—telling you which trees need immediate removal for safety, which need pruning in Year 1, and which can wait until Year 3. It turns raw data into an actionable, budget-friendly roadmap.

Question 1

What exactly is a tree inventory?

Accepted Answer

Think of it as a census for your urban forest. It is the process of locating, identifying, and assessing every tree on a specific property. Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology, we map the location of each tree and record critical data points: species, size (DBH), physical condition, maintenance needs, and risk rating. You can't manage what you don't measure; an inventory gives you the baseline data needed to make smart decisions.

Question 2

Why does my HOA or commercial property need one??

Accepted Answer

Liability and budgeting. Without an inventory, you are operating in a "reactive" mode—fixing things only when they break or fall, which is the most expensive way to manage trees. An inventory allows you to shift to "proactive" management. By identifying hazards early and prioritizing maintenance needs, you can forecast your budget for the next 3–5 years, reduce liability from falling limbs, and extend the lifespan of your canopy.

Question 3

Do you physically tag the trees?

Accepted Answer

We can, but we often recommend digital tagging. While we can install numbered aluminum tags on trunks for easy field identification, we primarily use GIS coordinates. This allows you to view your trees on a digital map overlay of your property. You can click on a specific tree on your computer or tablet to see its history, species, and maintenance schedule without needing to walk out and find a metal tag.

Question 4

What is the difference between an Inventory and a Management Plan??

Accepted Answer

The Inventory is the data (the "what" and "where"). The Management Plan is the strategy (the "when" and "how").

Once we collect the inventory data, our Registered Consulting Arborists analyze it to create a Management Plan. This document prioritizes work—telling you which trees need immediate removal for safety, which need pruning in Year 1, and which can wait until Year 3. It turns raw data into an actionable, budget-friendly roadmap.

Question 5

​Does an inventory include a Risk Assessment for every tree?

Accepted Answer

It can. Some inventories start with a "Level 1" visual assessment where we flag obvious hazards like dead trees or broken hangers. However, if we identify a tree with complex defects during the inventory, we will flag it for a "Level 2" or "Level 3" TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) inspection. This ensures that dangerous trees are prioritized for mitigation while keeping the cost of the general inventory efficient. Please check out our Tree Risk Assessment page for more info!

Tree Inventory Services

You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

Proactive protection, not just reaction.

Budget with confidence.

Data-Driven Management.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tree Inventory Management

Learn how our services can benefit your property.

What exactly is a tree inventory?

Why does my HOA or commercial property need one??

Do you physically tag the trees?

What is the difference between an Inventory and a Management Plan??

Does an inventory include a Risk Assessment for every tree?

Tree Inventory Services

You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

Proactive protection, not just reaction.

Budget with confidence.

Data-Driven Management.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tree Inventory Management

Learn how our services can benefit your property.

Question

What exactly is a tree inventory?

Question

Why does my HOA or commercial property need one??

Question

Do you physically tag the trees?

Question

What is the difference between an Inventory and a Management Plan??

Question

​Does an inventory include a Risk Assessment for every tree?

Does an inventory include a Risk Assessment for every tree?