The first step in developing a management plan for the urban forest is the inventory. The next step is to analyze the data in one of several computer programs.

Cost is always an issue with urban forest inventories. If the management goal of the inventory is to assess every tree for hazards, then a complete inventory is needed where each tree in the city is tallied and assessed for problems.

If the goal is to develop management plans for the urban forest, calculate current benefits and costs, then a systematic sample of the urban forest can be conducted at a much-reduced cost compared to the complete inventory. A systematic sample survey can be completed in as little as 10 days; inventorying 2,000-2,300 trees and provides the necessary data with an acceptable level of accuracy. The number of trees sampled remains constant regardless of the size of the urban forest.

As a result of the inventory and analysis process, you will know:

1. Your resource structure (species composition, extent and diversity)
2. The environmental and aesthetic benefits the urban forest provides for your community
3. The annual monetary value of the benefits provided and the managements costs to provide those benefits
4. The management needs of the urban forest (pruning and planting needs and opportunities, what species to avoid and to emphasize)

Every city that has implemented STRATUM to analyze their urban forest has found net benefits that range from $1.82 to over $3.00 per dollar invested per year per tree.

Check this list of links for more information on Urban Forestry.