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Tree Surveys and Inventories
Tree surveys and inventories document existing trees on a site and provide a clear record of species, size, location, and condition. These surveys are used for planning, permitting, property evaluation, and long-term tree management.
Each tree is identified and recorded using consistent, standardized methods to produce accurate and reliable documentation suitable for reference and decision-making.
Call us today at 352-414-2454 to discuss your tree survey needs.
What a Survey Includes
A typical tree survey or inventory may include:
- Unique tree identification number or tag
- Species identification (common and scientific name)
- Trunk diameter at breast height (DBH)
- General condition rating based on observable characteristics
- Location data suitable for site plans and mapping
- Notes on observable structural or site-related factors, when relevant
How Tree Inventories Are Used
Tree surveys and inventories are commonly used for:
- Property planning and site changes
- Tree protection and preservation planning
- Permit or documentation needs
- Property evaluation and due diligence
- Establishing a baseline for long-term tree management
- Supporting arborist reports and letters
They often serve as the foundation for other arborist services, including tree protection planning and written documentation.
Methodology and Professional Standards
Tree surveys and inventories reflect site conditions as observed at the time of evaluation. Trees are living systems, and conditions may change due to weather, construction activity, maintenance practices, or site disturbance.
Survey scope and data fields are scaled to the site and the trees being documented while remaining aligned with generally accepted arboricultural practices.
Common Tree Survey Applications
Development and pre-construction
Most Florida counties require a tree survey identifying all regulated trees on a development site before clearing permits are issued. The survey documents species, size, condition, and location, and serves as the basis for the tree preservation or mitigation plan. Starting the survey before site planning begins gives the design team the best opportunity to incorporate tree preservation into the project layout.
Municipal tree inventory
Cities and counties use tree inventories to track the condition of public trees, prioritize maintenance and risk management work, and plan canopy expansion programs. We conduct municipal tree surveys that produce organized, usable data in formats compatible with common urban forestry management systems.
HOA and community associations
Community associations managing common area trees benefit from a periodic professional inventory that documents current conditions and identifies trees that need attention. A survey report gives the board a defensible basis for tree-related decisions and budget planning.
Property transactions
A tree survey conducted as part of due diligence on a property transaction identifies trees that present risk, trees subject to regulatory protection that may affect development plans, and any conditions that could affect the property's value or liability profile.
Large residential properties
Owners of large rural or estate properties sometimes want a professional inventory of their trees as a baseline record, for insurance purposes, or to support a long-term property management plan. We scale the survey scope to what the property and the purpose actually require.
Deliverables
Tree surveys and inventories are provided in formats suitable for planning, mapping, and recordkeeping, including tabular inventories and supporting documentation.