Urban Forestry Information
Tree Inventory
Virginia Forest Service uses the latest technology for compiling tree inventories for both municipalities and private homeowners. Tree inventories involve taking specified information (species, size, condition, GPS location, maintenance, etc.) and then using this information to compile an urban forest report. The report presents the information in an easy to understand format. The information can then be used for planting and maintenance budgets for short and long term tree care.
Landscape Tree Evaluations
There are many cases where a tree value is required when damaged in the urban environment. Automobile accidents sometime cause landscape tree damage and the insurance companies require a replacement value.
In other situations, land uses demand the "taking" of landscape trees for sidewalks, buildings or other improvements. Homeowners need to be aware that their trees do have value and can be worth much more than then expect.
Wind, rain, and lightning storms can also have an adverse effect on trees and may allow homeowner's to recover their landscape value. Our Certified Arborists are professionally trained to perform the necessary field and office work required for any and all claim reports.
If needed we can produce a very simple estimate of value or any type of highly detailed report required for legal purposes. We can serve as expert witnesses in the presentation of this information as well.
Hazard Tree Assessment
Hazard trees are a definite liability and present potentially dangerous situations. Virginia Forest Service can perform a tree risk assessment of individual trees or groups of trees in a particular area. A professional forester uses tree characteristics and site factors to create an assessment of potential risk. Recommendations are then made on ways to maintain the trees health or options for removal.
GPS/GIS Mapping
Virginia Forest Service offers very detailed location services utilizing the latest in GPS and GIS technology. Individual trees and/or forest stands are located in the urban setting. Tree inventories can then be used for municipality planning purposes. We can present the information in computer friendly formats that facilitate budgeting, maintenance schedules, beautification plans, and most of all efficiency.
Specimen Tree Assessment
Many of our usual forestry and/or urban landscape tree services are extremely useful when planning a new development. Many professional individuals have input when planning a new subdivision or development. Surveyors and engineers have a recognized job to perform and so should the professional Forester.
Foresters from VAFS can visit the proposed site and conduct a simple tree "cruise". An accurate stand type map of the existing timber can be developed and incorporated into a GIS computer map system before the roads and lots are drawn. This forestry information can then be used for the initial layout which can save a lot of time and expense. Considerations can be given for the "specimen" trees which are referred to in some tree ordinances and environmental sensitive areas can be identified.
Individual homeowners can benefit from these services also. Specimen trees can be identified prior to your home construction and can then be protected during the building process. Many homeowners build beautiful structures around magnificent trees only to have the trees die at a later date from the construction damage.
Tree Ordinance Interpretation
Many towns and cities have recently passed tree ordinance regulations which place limitations on certain activities, such as real estate development. Exceptions are allowed for most individual landowners and professional forest management activities. Certain steps have to be followed to insure compliance. We will be happy to assist you in your interpretation needs regarding tree ordinances.