Communities worldwide are investing in asset man- agement systems to help keep urban forests healthy, resilient, and sustainable for future generations.
Every Tree Counts Taking Stock of Urban Forests with Asset Management Systems By TJ Yurko, ISA Certified Arborist® (PR-5403A), ISA TRAQ, CLHT
Urban forestry has entered a new era of growth and prosperity. As cities grow and change, trees remain one of our most enduring investments. They quietly enrich our daily lives with shade, clean air, beauty, and a connection to nature. Worldwide, trees are be- ing recognized not only as aesthetic masterpieces but as lifelong equity that encourages a healthy way of life. Communities around the globe are investing in asset management systems to ensure their urban for- ests remain healthy, resilient, and viable for years to come. For arborists and urban forestry professionals, this shift has placed tree inventories at the center of mod- ern practice. THE CANOPY BENEFITS Municipalities everywhere are increasingly recogniz- ing trees as valuable green infrastructure because of the measurable benefits they offer. Providing shade and cooling, reducing the urban heat island effect, managing stormwater runoff, sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity, and improving public health represent just a fraction of the critical functions trees deliver as urban infrastructure. And much like roads, buildings, and utilities, trees are municipal assets that require ongoing care and long-term investment throughout their lifespan to sustain these benefits.
A comprehensive tree inventory provides the foun- dation for this quality of care through informed de- cision-making, strategic budgeting, and resource al- location. Documenting key information about tree species, size, age, condition, location, and maintenance history provides municipalities with a clearer understanding of their urban forest and supports balanced objectives within a broader asset management framework. This strengthens urban forest programs in several key ways: • Maintains accurate tree records that support planning, budgeting, and lifecycle management; • Prioritizes maintenance activities through struc- tured planning and resource allocation; • Identifies trees that require risk assessments, inspections, or interventions; • Monitors long-term trends and forecasts future needs; • Supports biodiversity and climate adaptation strategies; and • Communicates urban forestry goals to the public to build transparency, accountability, and trust.
ArborTIMES ™ Fall 2026 | 9
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