Network Tree Inventory Program
About Our Program
In 2023, California ReLeaf secured grant funding from the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE to implement a brand-new statewide Tree Inventory Program to support nonprofit tree planting and tree care efforts across the state. California ReLeaf’s Tree Inventory Program provides ReLeaf Network Members and grantees FREE organizational user accounts to PlanIT Geo’s TreePlotter Inventory software under California ReLeaf’s umbrella account.
In addition to tree inventory software access, Network Members and Grantees receive training, resource guides, and technical support. Scroll down to learn more about the benefits of inventorying trees, program eligibility, application information, and upcoming training dates.
What is a Tree Inventory?
Tree inventory surveys provide information about individual trees planted and/or managed by an organization. A tree inventory provides critical information about these trees, including but not limited to tree species, location, health, age, size, funding source, maintenance needs, etc.
Inventories allow organizations to collect and share valuable data on trees they plant and care for, including the eco-benefits those trees provide to their community. Tree inventories are also an assessment tool, helping organizations make data-driven decisions that improve their tree planting program – especially concerning tree survival. Simply put, tree inventories tell organizations what they have and help them identify ways to improve how they plant, care for, and manage trees to help them stay alive and thrive.
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Inventory Your Trees
1. Visually Share Your Organization’s Tree Planting Impact
2. Report the Eco-Benefits of Your Trees
3. Make Data-Driven Decisions to Optimize Tree Health and Longevity
4. Record and Track Future Tree Planting Sites
5. Easily Track Grant/Donor Funded Trees and Projects
Program Eligibility Requirements
Below are our eligibility requirements for the Network Tree Inventory Program. For additional questions, please contact Alex Binck.
Be an Active California ReLeaf Network Member or an Active ReLeaf Grantee
Not sure if you are a ReLeaf Network Member? Check our listing page.
Want to learn about Network Membership? Visit our Membership Page to learn how your community group or nonprofit can join the Network.
“Active Network Member” means: Network Member must renew their membership annually (January/February) and complete our annual Network Impact Survey (July/August). We also encourage Network Members to participate in our peer-to-peer programs like our Learn Over Lunch Series throughout the year and Network Retreat (May).
“Active ReLeaf Grantee” means that you have an active grant with California ReLeaf. All ReLeaf grantees are required to use the software in documented trees planted with ReLeaf grant funding. See individual grant types for reporting and tree inventory use requirements.
Attend Tree Inventory Program Training Sessions
Follow Best Management Practices in Data Collection
Actively Use the Tree Inventory Software
Application Process
Network Member organizations must complete a Tree Inventory Program application and agree to participate in our training program in order to receive a free organizational user account to TreePlotter through our program. Please see our program eligibility requirements listed above prior to submitting an application.
Step 1 – Use our online application form to apply for an organization user account.
Step 2 – ReLeaf staff will contact you and help you set up your organizational user account
Step 3 – Attend Training Opportunities (i.e. Virtual, In-Person and Sandbox Tutorials – See registration links below)
Step 4 – Actively Plot and Track your Organization’s Trees
Upcoming Training Dates
TreePlotter Sandbox Trainings
Get hands-on instruction from California ReLeaf staff on how to use TreePlotter most effectively for your organization’s projects. Please email Alex Binck to schedule a training session.
TreePlotter Training Webinars
Are you interested in learning more advanced features of TreePlotter? View upcoming training webinars below and register today. We recommend you watch our Introductory TreePlotter Training (scroll down to webinar recordings) prior to participating in an advanced training webinar.
TreePlotter Video Tutorials
Orientation to TreePlotter
Interactive Legend
Advanced Filter
Data Table
Map Scenarios
Importing Past Tree Data Into TreePlotter
Webinar Recordings
Network Tree Inventory Program Overview Webinar
You can learn more about California ReLeaf’s Tree Inventory Program by watching the webinar recording below. The webinar reviews our new program, the application process, eligibility, training resources, and how Network Members can sign up for their FREE user account to TreePlotter.
Introductory Training – TreePlotter Basics Webinar
The Network Tree Inventory Program – Introductory TreePlotter Training Webinar was held on March 26, 2024. The webinar covers how to use basic features of your PlanIt Geo – TreePlotter user account – including how to log in and plot trees for your organization as well as California ReLeaf’s custom fields and use information.
Tree Health Monitoring – Part 1
The ReLeaf Network, Tree Inventory Tree Health Monitoring training webinar was held on July 10, 2024. Part 1 covers designing a monitoring program and using TreePlotter to collect your tree-monitoring data.
Tree Health Monitoring – Part 2
The ReLeaf Network, Tree Inventory Tree Health Monitoring training webinar was held on July 10, 2024. Part 2 covers data collection, including recording trunk diameter or DBH, assessing and recording crown vigor, tree photography, field observations, and other recording measurements or notes.
TreePlotter Work Records Training Webinar
This training reviews how to use TreePlotter’s Work Order Records feature, which allows you to assign tree maintenance activities and notify team members when work is due.
Resource Library
- Urban Tree Monitoring Resource Guide – The Urban Tree Monitoring Resource guide is a companion to the Urban Tree Monitoring Field Guide. The Resource Guide contains strategies and best practices for designing and implementing a monitoring project, such as aligning goals with variable selection, structuring longitudinal data sets, and managing field crews. This report also contains examples of the monitoring protocols in action. The Resource Guide is also available in English and Spanish.
- The USDA Forest Service created a YouTube Training Series on using their Urban Tree Monitoring Field Guide.
Technical Support
Have questions or need help? Contact Alex Binck, California ReLeaf’s Tree Inventory Tech Support Program Manager. If you have a ReLeaf Network TreePlotter User Account you can also contact PlanIT Geo Support.
Thank you to our Tree Inventory Program Sponsors!
This project was made possible by funding from the U.S. Forest Service and by Proposition 68 funding made available through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Urban and Community Forestry Program.
