The Permit Tree Inventory Process
Creating a Permit Tree Inventory takes several steps, and we have developed a thorough process to ensure consist results.
First, Dark Moss receives a tree survey prepared by a licensed surveyor. We load those tree positions and related survey data into our GIS data collectors (iPads) to populate our digital inventory baseline.
Once in the field, we evaluate each surveyed tree as dictated by the assignment, which is typically to establish the pre-development tree preservation requirements required by the local jurisdiction.
When unsurveyed trees appear, we attempt to generally locate them and add them to the inventory. if there is only a small percentage of missing trees (we terminate the assessment and ask that the surveyor return when tree discrepancies exceed our level of comfort).
We identify the tree species and re-measure the diameter of each trunk in accordance with industry standards or code requirements, depending on the structure of the trunk.
When data collection is completed, we pull the new GIS data off the tablets and digitize it back to the survey as a plan overlay. We conform the tree inventory data into findings suitable for tree permitting analysis.
What it provides:
- Locations for all the assessed trees,
- The tree species,
- The trunk diameter if a dicot or conifer,
- The condition of the tree,
- A tree disposition summary table showing tree replacement requirements, if the tree disposition is known.
Why obtain one?
Some jurisdictions require a tree inventory or arborist verification of a tree survey. Sometimes this analysis is done after a site plan is prepared, but a permit tree inventory is most helpful when it is completed pre-design.
Clients, architects, engineers, and developers can identify site specific opportunities, avoid tree-related red tape, and reduce tree replacement requirements by identifying the valuable natural resources and potential permitting liabilities at pre-design or due diligence,
Tree surveys are not typically prepared by arborists, so industry standard conventions may not have been followed. This usually results is misidentified trees or incorrect tree sizes. Sometimes a tree is just “unknown.”
Florida Statute Chapter 472 regulates land surveying and mapping, but the term “tree” is not mentioned in this chapter.
A Permit Tree Inventory rectifies those inaccuracies and provides an authoritative summary of onsite tree assets. Dark Moss has a consulting arborist and an arborist trainee on staff to conduct permit tree inventories throughout Florida.
