Trees are great assets to have. They add pizzazz to a property and character to a street. They provide shade, filter pollutants, and slow storm runoff. They add value to a property too, either as lumber or as landscaping, and are often part of an urban forest or grass roots plan to improve tree diversity and health or to replenish community character.

For these reasons, tree surveys are often required by State, County, or municipal agencies before they’ll grant a permit for new construction or improvements. They’re used by land owners who want to know what’s growing on their property. They’re also used for insurance purposes. Trees add considerable value to a property or, depending on their condition and location, can be a liability.

What’s involved: A tree survey locates, identifies, and measures trees. The position, height, and diameter are then typically shown on a boundary survey. This information can also be shown on a topographic survey that is then used as a base map for site plan approval.

The survey is supplemented by a data sheet that lists the tree number and evaluation factors for each tree. These are compiled to give the property owner an overview report and a basis for managing their tree assets.

Items Evaluated: The health of a tree is of overriding concern and is thus rated first. The rating scale used is 1 to 5, with a rating of 1 being a dead tree and a rating of 5 used for one in good health. A rating is made after inspecting the crown, trunk and roots, looking for exposed roots, missing bark, decay, cavities, and unbalanced foliage. These guidelines must be listed on the form, so each tree is rated uniformly. Trees are always tagged and numbered so that the report number can be correlated to the trees surveyed.

Other items evaluated during the survey are shown in the sidebar. Management recommendations are especially important, as they are used to manage tree resources when the survey is done.

How the results are used: The tree survey is a valuable planning tool. It’s used to measure tree density, species diversity, and value (social and monetary). It’s used to identify conflicts with utility wires and sidewalks. It is also used to identify and remove hazardous trees.

Do you remember the mass loss of our elm and chestnut trees? Arborists no longer want a single group of trees to be overabundant, so they will use tree surveys to measure diversity. This allows them to design their urban forests with diverse species, to avoid huge voids in the streetscape if a disease outbreak occurs.

Tree surveys are also used by property owners for site improvements and by planning boards before they’ll approve new construction or improvements. They’re a valuable resource for many reasons.

Summary: If you’re in need of a tree survey, check with your local municipality before you start. While your arborist or surveyor may have their own form and rating criteria, municipalities and agencies may use something different. A standard form allows agencies to make good across-the-board decisions and treat each situation and developer fairly.

Approving agencies will also let you know what data they’ll want to see on the base map, so you can make a complete submittal your first time through.

If you are in need of a tree survey or have questions on the process, contact Scott Smith, L.S. at 585-334-1310 or by e-mail at: ssmith@fisherassoc.com