Street Tree Inventory Report

1. Street Tree Inventory Report Presented by John Warner, CF Urban District Forester Texas Forest Service Conroe, TX September, ?? 2007 Shenandoah, Texas

2. System Basics • 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)

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Methods • Data collected • Species • Size (6” classes) • Condition • Maintenance needs • Clearance/safety • Planting sites

6. Results • Statistics • N/A for Shenandoah; actual tree counts provided • Stocking • 999 total street trees • 73% stocking • Up to 566 public planting spots • Up to 292 private planting spots

7. Results • Species • 38 total • Top five species make up two-thirds of trees • Crapemyrtle is most common non-native species • Genus • Pines and oaks make up over half of trees

8. Results • Size • Over 50% young trees • Only four (4) old trees • Loblolly pine, water oak, and sweetgum are maturing

9. Results • Condition • Two-thirds of trees are in good condition • 27% of trees rate as fair • Few poor or dead trees

10. Results • Maintenance • 59% need routine care • 36% need training • 40 trees need removal

11. Results • Clearance • Only three (3) trees obstruct traffic signals or signs • Only eight (8) trees have limbs that encroach into safety zones over streets

12. 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

13. Recommendations • Short-term (1-3 yrs.) • Plant species other than pines • Train staff to prune young trees • Craft a public tree ordinance • Conduct annual Arbor Day event • Attain Tree City USA status • Long-term • GIS inventory of public trees • Street tree master plan • Create “green infrastructure” funding mechanism

14. Next Step?