Transforming Tree Management with Tree SMART
Staffordshire County Council (SCC) faced significant challenges in managing their tree stock due to a historic approach of ad-hoc tree management. Tree inspections were rarely conducted for the 500,000 highway trees, leaving residents and road users with low expectations. With growing interest in environmental measures, budget constraints, increased legislation, and a more informed public, managing these trees became increasingly complex.
Building a Comprehensive Tree Inventory
Our partnership introduced a software-driven tree surveying and analysis approach to address these challenges. Initially, we were tasked with surveying 71,000 trees along B roads. This formed part of a long-term relationship aimed at creating a comprehensive inventory and ongoing cyclical surveying, building on SCC’s existing inventory of approximately 8,000 A road trees.
Using LiDAR technology, we created an initial inventory of 71,000 trees within falling distance of highways, covering all B roads, town centres, and priority hotspots. Integrating risk assessments with open-source rainfall data from the Environment Agency, we developed a detailed overview of each tree using our Tree SMART solution. This approach provided SCC with clear, easily accessible data for better monitoring and planning.
Phased Expansion and Continuous Improvement
Phase 2 focused on surveying A road trees, which is nearing completion. We are now preparing for Phase 3, which involves surveying C roads and revisiting defects from A/B roads as part of the Tree Risk Management Proposal. This proposal, now agreed upon by SCC, includes ongoing inventory surveys alongside a programmed schedule of revisits. Phase 3 is expected to take around 18 months, with Phase 4 (U roads) following for an additional 18 months.
The Importance of a Complete Inventory
Collecting a comprehensive tree inventory is crucial for effective tree management. It helps in developing vital plans, such as tree planting and sustainability initiatives, and managing the risk of tree fall. Awareness of the tree stock allows for evidence-based funding bids and ensures cost-effective programming and management. It also underscores the responsibility of the landowner and the importance of avoiding litigation. Our risk-based approach is designed to address these needs comprehensively.
Future Health and Innovative Research
Our tree stock management software, Tree SMART, not only monitors and manages risk but also quantifies the scale of vulnerable trees and identifies the most effective methods to minimise this risk. Looking ahead, we are exploring complementary research, particularly focusing on Ash Dieback, to predict its spread across the county in the coming years. This includes identifying resilient trees for repopulation and planning proactive measures to contain the spread, such as creating ‘barrier’ areas.
Through this partnership, SCC is now better equipped to manage its tree stock efficiently and sustainably. This collaboration ensures the safety and well-being of residents and road users while contributing to broader environmental goals.