TreeKIT

TreeKIT

New York City

since 2011

In some cities, dead trees are as numerous as potholes, but get a lot less attention. For this reason, landscape architect Liz Barry and urban forester Philip Silva developed TreeKIT, a system to measure, map, and manage urban forests. Volunteers use simple site-survey- ing skills to map trees in urban areas. TreeKIT’s website features a map showing tree density block by block, and users can zoom in on trees to click for information about trunk dimension, genus, or species. The map also color-codes empty treebeds, stumps, and dead trees. This data is shared with city agencies and local tree steward organizations. Studies indicate healthy trees in urban areas can filter pollutants, reduce heat island effect, reduce CO2, and prevent runoff as well as create safe inviting public spaces.

Community, Information, Sustainability
75,000 annual budget
1 1⁄2 months – map more than 10,000 trees
150
Problem - urban trees die without coordinated stewardship
Solution - measure, map & manage the urban forest