Street Tree Inventory Report Presented by John Warner, CF Urban District Forester Texas Forest Service Conroe, 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 isnt 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

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