Tree Inventory Underway to Support Urban Forest Planning

The City of Tallahassee is entering the next phase of its tree inventory, which is part of the approved Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP). This effort focuses on documenting trees located within the City's right-of-way and includes gathering data about each tree’s species, size, current condition and more. This helps provide a benchmark for planners and aid in the development of proactive tree management plans to help ensure the health of community trees and public safety.

You may see the tree inventory team in your neighborhood. They will be working in a roughly 2,600-acre area that encompasses several central neighborhoods, including Levy Park, Betton Hills, Los Robles, Town & Country, Glendale, Parkside, Wellswood and portions of Midtown. The team will be clearly identifiable in reflective safety vests with badges. The City is contracting with Arbor Pro USA for this project. Work is expected be complete in early July.

Tree inventories provide valuable information that tree managers can use to plan and budget for maintenance and ensure that planting programs support a diverse and resilient urban forest. The City’s Community Beautification Division is in the process of completing a full public tree inventory, which includes this current effort.

Tallahassee, designated as a Tree City USA, is known for its trees and iconic canopy roads. A healthy urban forest has repeatedly been shown to be a critical component to a vibrant and livable community - economically, environmentally, and socially. At 55 percent, the City boasts one of the highest percentages of tree coverage in the nation. Additionally, the species of trees found in our area are the most diverse in the nation, according to biodiversity maps.

The City adopted the Urban Forest Master Plan in 2018 following more than a year of data gathering and analysis, policy review and public input. It is a guide for the future of our community’s tree canopy and aims to improve this vital city asset as our community grows and changes.

For more information, contact the City’s Community Beautification and Waste Management department at 850-891-5450.