Street Tree Inventory Report

Presented by

John Warner, CFUrban District ForesterTexas Forest ServiceConroe, TX

September, ?? 2007

Shenandoah, Texas

Texas Community Tree Inventory system (TXCTI) Based on MCTI and STRATUM models developed by the

USDA Forest Service Sample of street trees Focused on basics

(species, size, safety) Counts what isn’t there

(planting sites)

System Basics

Methods

5-15% random sample of street segments Uses TIGER files or local GIS

layer Attach image or close-up of

blockside for field crew For Shenandoah, 100% of

blocksides surveyed

Methods

Survey strategy TFS Forester collects data, in

cooperation with municipality, tree board volunteers, or other local group

Depending on sample mileage, 1-3 crews can finish in a day or two.

Methods

Data collected Species

Maintenance needs Clearance/safety Planting sites

Condition

Size (6” classes)

Up to 566 public planting spots Up to 292 private planting spots

Results

Statistics N/A for Shenandoah; actual

tree counts provided

Stocking 999 total street trees 73% stocking

Results

Species

Genus

38 total Top five species make up

two-thirds of trees Crapemyrtle is most common

non-native species

Pines and oaks make up over half of trees

Results

Size Over 50% young trees Only four (4) old trees Loblolly pine, water oak,

and sweetgum are maturing

Results

Condition Two-thirds of trees are in

good condition 27% of trees rate as fair Few poor or dead trees

Results

Maintenance 59% need routine care 36% need training 40 trees need removal

Results

Clearance Only three (3) trees

obstruct traffic signals or signs

Only eight (8) trees have limbs that encroach into safety zones over streets

Results

Replacement Value Total value is almost $1

million $981 average Crapemyrtle values are low

($98/tree) Loblolly pine values will

increase dramatically over time

Create “green infrastructure” funding mechanism

Attain Tree City USA status

Recommendations

Short-term (1-3 yrs.)

Long-term GIS inventory of public trees

Train staff to prune young trees

Plant species other than pines

Craft a public tree ordinance Conduct annual Arbor Day event

Street tree master plan

Next Step?