Asheville Reporter

The City of Asheville is embarking on a comprehensive tree inventory as part of its Urban Forest Master Plan, aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the urban forest. Over the next several weeks, arborists will assess public trees in the right-of-way, typically located between the sidewalk and the street.

This public tree inventory is crucial for understanding the health, diversity, and age of Asheville’s public trees. By gathering data on species, size, and condition, the City can develop informed strategies for maintaining and growing its urban forest in the future.

The importance of a tree inventory lies in several key areas:

- Informed decision-making: Inventory data provides valuable insights into the needs of public trees, enabling the City to prioritize maintenance and planting efforts.

- Enhanced tree health: A diverse and healthy urban forest is essential for mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and reducing stormwater runoff.

- Community well-being: Trees contribute significantly to Asheville's quality of life by providing shade, beauty, and recreational opportunities.

Arborists will systematically examine trees in designated areas, recording information such as species, size, and signs of disease or damage. This data will be stored in a GIS-based tree management system for efficient analysis and planning.

Residents are encouraged to support this initiative by staying informed through the City of Asheville’s website and social media channels. They can visit publicinput.com/ashevilletrees to subscribe for project updates and receive notifications about public engagement opportunities. Public input will be invaluable as the City develops a long-term plan for managing its urban forest.

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