The Role of Tree Surveys in Planning, Risk Management, and Compliance Seasonal Care For property developers, municipal leaders, campus planners, and facilities professionals, trees represent far more than aesthetics. They're critical assets, embedded in risk portfolios, development regulations, and long-term land-use strategies. Yet without accurate, actionable data, managing a tree population often becomes reactive and expensive. This is where a professional tree survey proves essential. Whether you're preparing a site for redevelopment, applying for a county grant, or simply trying to make sense of a fragmented landscape plan, a tree survey gives you the clarity to move forward with confidence. Take Delaware County, Pennsylvania, for example. Facing increasing concerns about tree loss but lacking baseline data, the County turned to SavATree for a strategic canopy assessment. The result? A foundational dataset that now informs their 10-year comprehensive plan and guides targeted investments across 49 municipalities. "We didn’t have the data to act, just anecdotal stories. We needed a comprehensive snapshot. That snapshot became a decision-making tool for everything from equity-based canopy improvements to climate adaptation planning.”- Becca Yurkovich, County Sustainability Officer, Delaware County, Pennsylvania Whether you're managing an entire county, overseeing a hospital campus, or planning a mixed-use development, understanding your tree population isn’t a luxury; it's a necessity. The earlier in your planning cycle you engage with a certified arborist, the more value you can unlock from your landscape. What Is a Tree Survey? A tree survey is a formal assessment and documentation of the trees on a property, conducted by ISA Certified Arborists. These surveys are critical for property managers, municipal planners, developers, and institutions engaged in construction, redevelopment, or long-term landscape management. Unlike a general tree inspection, which may focus on individual trees or general maintenance needs, a tree survey is a comprehensive inventory and evaluation that supports regulatory compliance, planning decisions, and sustainability goals. Tree surveys commonly include species identification, size measurements (including diameter at breast height and full height), health and condition assessments, risk ratings, and detailed recommendations for preservation, treatment, or removal. This information helps determine the value and risks associated with each tree, guiding responsible landscape planning and risk management efforts. Tree surveys go even further by identifying trees that may present potential safety hazards. This can include assessments of leaning, root instability, fungal decay, or limb failure risk. In areas with strict tree protection ordinances, surveys also play an essential role in complying with local regulations, helping to avoid costly delays, redesigns, or penalties. When is a tree survey needed? Before Property Development or Construction Municipalities often require tree surveys as part of the permitting and planning process. Before breaking ground, developers must identify existing trees, determine which are protected, and develop plans for tree preservation or removal. SavATree regularly works with land planners, developers, and landscape architects to integrate tree survey data into site plans. The findings support decisions such as adjusting grading around critical root zones, relocating trees, or establishing preservation zones. The goal is not only to comply with local ordinances but also to preserve mature trees that offer ecological and aesthetic value. Skipping a required tree survey can lead to project delays, rework, or fines. Some cities have robust tree ordinances, and violations can derail a project’s timeline or substantially increase costs. Tree surveys provide a clear path to compliance. For Tree Risk Assessments on Commercial or Institutional Properties Tree surveys are also essential tools for identifying hazards on active commercial, institutional, or public-use properties. Damaged, diseased, or structurally compromised trees near buildings, parking lots, or pedestrian areas can pose serious safety concerns. Our experts use a risk formula based on ANSI A300 Clause 13: Risk = Probability x Consequences The methodology allows clients to prioritize mitigation based on both the likelihood of tree failure and the potential damage it could cause. SavATree offers three levels of risk assessment: Level 1: Limited visual assessment through quick surveys or drive-bys. Level 2: Basic ground-based, 360-degree evaluation of tree structure and condition. Level 3: Advanced assessments involving diagnostic tools, resistance drilling, or aerial inspections. These tree risk assessments are critical for reducing liability, especially for schools, healthcare institutions, HOAs, hospitality properties, and commercial campuses. As Part of a Long-Term Landscape Management Plan For many property owners and managers, tree surveys form the foundation of a long-term landscape strategy. By capturing a comprehensive inventory of trees, clients can implement proactive care measures that: Extend the life and health of their tree canopy Inform maintenance scheduling and cost planning Guide strategic investments and grant funding In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, SavATree conducted a countywide canopy assessment to provide baseline data for environmental planning. According to County Sustainability Officer Becca Yurkovich, “We didn’t have the data to act, just anecdotal stories. We needed a comprehensive snapshot.” The data gathered in the survey informed the county’s 10-year comprehensive plan, helping them prioritize equitable canopy investments and community engagement initiatives. What’s included in a SavATree tree survey? Tree Inventory and Mapping SavATree provides detailed tree inventory management that includes each tree’s species, size, health status, and location. This information is plotted on GIS-based maps with exports for seamless integration into planning workflows. In the Delaware County project, SavATree’s team performed a tree inventory with structured data visualizations across four geographic scales: municipalities, census tracts, census block groups, and uniform hexagons. Yurkovich shared, “Seeing the data laid out in four different ways was my ‘aha’ moment. It gave us the flexibility to engage both technical planners and everyday residents.” Tree Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation SavATree arborists are ISA Certified and follow ANSI A300 standards for tree risk assessment. Whether surveying a single high-value tree or an entire campus, we apply consistent, science-based methodologies to evaluate safety risks. Digital reports and geolocated photos make findings easy to review and act on. Recommendations might include: Disease treatment Pruning or structural support systems Targeted removals for safety These tree risk assessments are often the first step in developing a comprehensive Tree Management Plan tailored to the property’s needs. Tree Preservation Planning and Oversight Preserving trees during development requires careful planning and ongoing monitoring. SavATree Consulting Group offers a robust suite of services to ensure preservation efforts are effective and compliant: Pre-construction assessments and documentation Custom Tree Protection Plans Site visits during construction to monitor compliance Post-construction evaluations to confirm tree health This service reduces risk, protects investment, and demonstrates good environmental stewardship. Custom Recommendations and Management Plans Each tree survey concludes with site-specific recommendations for tree care, removal, and long-term management. These are tailored to the property’s operational goals and ecological value. Plans often address: Maintenance priorities Budget allocations Regulatory compliance SavATree also supports the creation of Urban Forest Master Plans, which serve as high-level roadmaps for canopy preservation, community engagement, and grant support. Why choose SavATree for your tree survey? SavATree Consulting Group combines national expertise with deep local knowledge. Our ISA Certified Arborists and TRAQ-qualified consultants understand regional regulations and can help navigate the permitting process with confidence. We also offer advanced tools and technology, including: GIS-integrated mapping Mobile data collection and reporting Custom visuals for community and stakeholder engagement What sets SavATree apart is our consultative, client-first approach. Delaware County’s Yurkovich summed it up: “It wasn’t about making the sale; it was about making it work. They asked us: What can your internal staff do? What should we handle? That flexibility was huge.” How to Get Started with a Tree Survey Every landscape has a story, and understanding its trees is a vital first chapter. Whether you're navigating development regulations or investing in long-term landscape health, a professional tree survey provides the clarity and confidence to move forward. Partnering with SavATree means more than receiving a report. It means working with a dedicated team of arboricultural consultants who listen closely, ask the right questions, and tailor every survey to your property’s unique goals and constraints. We offer guidance through every phase of the process: from initial consultation and site evaluation to digital mapping, reporting, and long-term planning support. No two properties are alike. That’s why our approach is grounded in science, informed by local policy, and shaped by collaboration. The earlier you engage, the more value we can deliver, whether it’s ensuring compliance, accelerating permitting, reducing risk, or designing with canopy preservation in mind. If you're ready to take a thoughtful step toward understanding and managing your tree assets, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.