What is a Tree Inventory and Why Might You Need One?

If you’re part of a smaller city or community with a tight budget, a lean forestry team, or maybe no dedicated forestry staff at all, you’re not alone. Many municipalities across the West are managing hundreds or even thousands of trees with just a handful of people who already wear too many hats.

That’s exactly why a tree inventory can make such a big difference. It’s not about adding more work to your plate; it’s about giving you the clarity and direction you need to save time, avoid surprises, and make the most of every dollar and every crew hour.

Quick Links:

• What Is a Tree Inventory?
• What Information Does a Tree Inventory Include?
• Why Tree Inventories Are Valuable for HOAs and Small City Forestry Teams
• How Often Should a Tree Inventory Be Updated?
• Starting a Tree Inventory: What to Expect
• Smart Tree Management Starts With a Tree Inventory

What Is a Tree Inventory?

A tree inventory is a systematic assessment of the trees within a defined area, such as a city, neighborhood, HOA-managed community, or private property.

At a basic level, a tree inventory creates an organized record of the urban forest, offering a clear snapshot of its current condition and composition. 

• What trees do you have? 
• Where are they located? 
• How are they contributing to the urban forest and the greater community?

For municipalities across the West, a tree inventory serves as the foundation for long-term urban forest management. Cataloging trees in a consistent, structured way (often supported by modern tree inventory software) allows cities to better plan for canopy diversity, future plantings, environmental goals, and overall tree health.

While tree inventories are often associated with municipal planning, they’re just as valuable for HOAs and individual homeowners. Smaller-scale inventories can help property managers and homeowners better understand their existing trees, supporting smarter decisions regarding care, safety, and tree service needs over time.

What Information Does a Tree Inventory Include?

Great, but what exactly does it tell you? While the specifics can vary depending on a city's, HOA's, or homeowner's goals, most tree inventories capture a consistent set of details that help guide thoughtful planning and management.

A comprehensive inventory typically includes:

• Tree Species – Identifying the types of trees you have helps assess canopy diversity, understand regional suitability, and plan for future resilience, especially important when working with trees that must adapt to unique climates.
  
  
• Tree Size & Age Class – Measurements such as trunk diameter and height help determine life stage distribution and anticipate maintenance and replacement needs.
  
  
• Tree Condition – A basic health evaluation gives insight into safety concerns, potential decline, or opportunities for improved care. This is also a great time to identify pest or disease concerns.
  
  
• Location Data – Mapping each tree allows for efficient tree inventory management and supports decisions about planting, removals, and budgeting.
  
  
• Maintenance Needs – Notes on tree pruning, structural issues, pests, storm damage, or other concerns help organizations plan.
  
  
• Risk Indicators – For cities and HOAs, risk assessment is crucial for ensuring public safety and effective liability management.

This information, documented through consistent tree inventory methods, creates a practical, data-driven snapshot of the urban forest. Whether managed manually or with tree inventory software, these details help guide everything from routine maintenance schedules to long-term urban tree inventory planning.

Why Tree Inventories Are Valuable for HOAs and Small City Forestry Teams

Many HOAs and smaller municipalities think they’re “too small” to benefit from a tree inventory. In reality, having organized tree data is often even more important for teams with limited time, staff, and budgets. A tree inventory helps communities plan smarter, reduce risk, and even unlock funding opportunities.

1. Better Budgeting and Access to Funding

Grant programs often require basic tree data, something smaller communities typically lack. An inventory provides the documentation needed to qualify for funding and makes annual budgeting more accurate by clarifying what maintenance and replacements will be needed.

2. Strategic Resource Allocation

With small crews, efficiency matters. An inventory helps prioritize urgent work, schedule regular maintenance, and plan new tree plantings. It also supports better species diversity planning without guesswork.

3. Risk Reduction and Liability Management

Even a single failing tree can create safety issues and unexpected costs. Inventory data helps identify concerns early, allowing communities to address them proactively and avoid liability.

4. Long-Term Urban Forest Health

An inventory supports healthier, more resilient landscapes by guiding the selection of appropriate species, including climate-suited Colorado trees and Utah trees, and tracking tree health over time.

5. Scalability for the Future

You don’t need a large urban forest to benefit. An inventory lays the groundwork for future growth, ensuring management stays efficient as the community expands.

For HOAs and small cities, a tree inventory isn’t about size; it’s about strategy, safety, and smart planning.

How Often Should a Tree Inventory Be Updated?

For many smaller cities and communities, a major concern is how many resources are needed to maintain an inventory and how often it should be updated.

It’s important to note that a tree inventory isn’t a one-and-done project; it’s a living resource that works best when kept up to date.

For most cities, HOAs, and property managers, updating the inventory every 3–5 years is a practical standard. This cadence captures changes in tree growth, condition, and maintenance needs without overextending budgets or staff time.

However, more frequent updates may be beneficial when:

• Recent storms or droughts have impacted tree health (these can be very targeted)
  
  
• Significant planting or removal projects have occurred (where data is likely easier to manage)
  
  
• The community is actively pursuing grants or long-term urban forest planning

At a minimum, major changes, such as removals, new plantings, or identified hazards, should be added as they happen. Regular updates mean the inventory remains a reliable tool for planning, budgeting, risk management, and long-term urban forest sustainability. Some wholesale tree nurseries, especially those contracted for removal and planting, can assist with tree inventory projects.

Starting a Tree Inventory: What to Expect

Beginning a tree inventory may sound complex, but the process is straightforward, especially when guided by an experienced tree nursery or forestry professional. Whether you're a small city, HOA, or homeowner, the steps are similar and designed to keep the experience efficient and stress-free.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

1. An Initial Walkthrough or Consultation

A team member will meet with you to understand your goals. Are you looking to improve canopy diversity? Plan future plantings? Identify risks? Manage maintenance more efficiently? This helps determine the scope and level of detail needed.

2. Mapping and Data Collection

Next, each tree within the designated area is located, tagged (if appropriate), and documented. Professionals may use tree inventory software or GIS-based tools to record information accurately and consistently.

3. Evaluation of Tree Condition

Basic assessments of health, structural stability, and any noticeable risks are completed. This provides immediate insights into priority needs and long-term planning. In addition to existing forestry teams, this step may also involve volunteers. This is a great opportunity to share information about urban forests and engage the community in the process.

4. Review of Findings

Once the data is compiled, you’ll receive a clear and organized report, often accompanied by maps, recommendations, and big-picture insights. This will become the foundation for budgeting, maintenance planning, and future planting decisions.

5. Ongoing Support and Planning

Most tree inventories come with optional follow-up services, from annual check-ins to help with tree selection, including the best native or cultivars for your region.

Starting a tree inventory is ultimately about gaining clarity. With a professional partner and the right tools, you’ll walk away with a roadmap that helps strengthen your urban forest and make confident, data-driven decisions moving forward.

Smart Tree Management Starts With a Tree Inventory

Whether you’re overseeing a city’s urban forest or managing the trees within an HOA community, clear information is the foundation of smart decision-making. A tree inventory provides that clarity. It helps you understand what you have, anticipate what you’ll need, and plan for a healthier, more resilient landscape.

From improving species diversity to planning maintenance, managing risk, and guiding future plantings, a tree inventory turns guesswork into a strategic approach. It ensures your urban forest grows in the right direction and aligns with your long-term goals.

SuperTrees Nursery has partnered with municipalities, city and urban foresters across the West to support this work. With experience assisting with tree inventories and certified arborists on staff, we help communities choose the right trees, plan for their care, and manage them confidently throughout their lifetime.

Our nursery is stocked with the healthy trees you need and want to help strengthen your landscape. From seed to service (and inventory), we’re here to help you and your urban forest grow. Reach out today!