Managing urban forests requires more than just boots on the ground—it takes smart tools to track, plan, and care for thousands of trees across city streets, parks, schools, and neighborhoods. Fortunately, a variety of sophisticated computerized systems now exist to support tree inventory, risk assessments, work orders, and long-term planning.
commonly used urban forestry management platforms
- TreeKeeper
By Davey Resource Group
A widely used cloud-based system for tree inventory and work order management. TreeKeeper includes mobile app integration, canopy analysis, and risk assessment tools—ideal for municipalities that need robust asset tracking. - TreePlotter™
By PlanIT Geo
One of the most customizable GIS-based platforms on the market. TreePlotter offers web and mobile access, real-time mapping, and optional modules for ecosystem services, planting prioritization, equity mapping, and more. - i-Tree
By USDA Forest Service
A free, science-based suite of tools for estimating tree benefits, conducting inventories, and supporting management plans. i-Tree is widely used for environmental reporting and urban forest valuation. - OpenTreeMap
By Azavea
An open-source, collaborative mapping platform that empowers communities to contribute to tree inventories. Ideal for public engagement and education initiatives. - TreeWorks
By ArborMetrics Solutions
Designed for municipal and utility-scale tree programs, TreeWorks supports detailed mapping, inspections, maintenance history, and risk analysis. - TreeForce
By Clearion Software
A powerful GIS-integrated system that aligns with utility vegetation management. TreeForce supports advanced data collection, asset tracking, and regulatory compliance. - Urban Forest Cloud
By Urban Forest Cloud LLC
Focused on arborists and consultants, this system supports inventory, risk management, and urban forest planning with cloud-based access and scalable tools. - Tree Asset Management (TAM)
ESRI (ArcGIS add-ons)
For agencies already using ESRI tools, TAM offers customized urban forestry workflows that integrate with city-wide GIS systems for seamless planning and reporting.
But your budget is limited?
Even urban forestry programs operating on limited budgets need to keep track of their trees. Whether you’re a small municipality, nonprofit, or grassroots group, there are low-cost and even DIY-friendly tools that can support effective tree data management.
Tips for Success on a Budget
- Partner with local universities, GIS departments, or civic tech volunteers (e.g., Code for America chapters)
- Use sample-based inventories rather than full censuses to save time and effort
- Apply for support from state urban forestry programs, Tree City USA grants, or local foundations
- Encourage community engagement—citizen scientists and students can help gather data
You can do it yourself!
If you have some technical capacity or support you can create a simple yet functional system using:
- Google Sheets + Google Forms + Maps
- Use Google Forms for field data collection
- Store tree data in a connected Google Sheet
- Plot coordinates on Google Maps or use GIS plugins
- Cost: Free
- QGIS (Open Source GIS Software)
- Free, powerful desktop GIS tool for managing spatial data
- Can be used to create maps, run basic analysis, and export reports
- Works well with CSVs, shapefiles, and GPS field data
- Cost: Free
- Fulcrum or KoboToolbox
- Customizable mobile data collection tools
- Good for offline surveys and mapping trees with photos
- Exportable to CSV, shapefile, or integrate with QGIS
- Cost: Free to low-cost tiers