A comprehensive tree inventory is scheduled to begin in Grants Pass on January 6, 2025, as part of an effort to better understand, manage, and protect the city’s urban forest. The project will be conducted by PlanIT Geo, Inc., a Colorado based firm specializing in urban forestry planning and technology, using teams of ISA Certified Arborists to evaluate trees located in public spaces throughout the city.
The inventory will focus on trees and potential planting sites within city rights of way and public parks. Arborists will systematically map and assess each tree, collecting detailed information on species, size, health, condition, location, and maintenance needs. Planting sites will also be documented to identify opportunities for future canopy expansion. The resulting dataset will provide city staff and urban forest managers with a comprehensive overview of Grants Pass’s public tree resources.
Tree inventories are widely recognized as a foundational tool for effective urban forest management. By compiling accurate, location based data, cities are able to identify trees that may pose safety concerns, prioritize maintenance and pruning schedules, and plan proactively for pest infestations, disease outbreaks, and storm related damage. The information can also be used to assess canopy coverage across neighborhoods, highlight areas with limited tree presence, and guide long term planning and policy decisions related to sustainability, public safety, and climate resilience.
According to PlanIT Geo, the data collected during the inventory will allow urban forest managers to move from reactive to proactive management. With a clear understanding of the condition and distribution of trees, municipalities can reduce potential liabilities, allocate maintenance resources more efficiently, and prepare for emerging threats to Oregon’s urban forests. The inventory is also expected to support future grant applications and infrastructure planning efforts by providing verifiable, up to date information.
Residents may notice arborists working in their neighborhoods during the inventory period. PlanIT Geo staff will be easily identifiable, wearing high visibility safety vests, carrying tablet devices used to record field data, and operating vehicles marked with magnets displaying the PlanIT Geo company logo. The work will be limited to public property, and no action is required from private property owners.
Founded in 2012, PlanIT Geo has built a national and international reputation for providing technology driven planning services for urban forestry, parks management, and arboriculture. The company’s TreePlotter Software Suite is used by governments, nonprofit organizations, universities, and private entities to manage tree and park assets. By integrating field collected data with mapping and analytics tools, the software supports informed decision making and long term stewardship of green infrastructure.
PlanIT Geo describes its work as driven by a combined passion for trees and technology, with an emphasis on practical solutions for communities of all sizes. Through projects like the Grants Pass inventory, the firm aims to help cities better understand their natural assets and make data informed choices that support public safety, environmental health, and quality of life.
The upcoming inventory represents a significant step in documenting and managing Grants Pass’s urban forest, providing a detailed snapshot of current conditions while laying the groundwork for future planning and care of the city’s public trees.