Advancing Tree Inventory Technologies for Grounds Management Professionals

This presentation explores cuttingedge technologies in tree inventory that are transforming the landscape of professional grounds management. We will discuss the integration of machine learning and AI with tools like LiDAR and Google Street View for enhanced accuracy in tree inventories and health monitoring. The session will also cover the application of LiDAR and aerial imagery, which provide detailed, three-dimensional views of tree species, structures and densities essential for precise grounds maintenance. Additionally, we will introduce the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for remote assessment of vegetation health, crucial for maintaining healthy and vibrant landscapes. Discover how these innovative technologies can streamline operations and elevate the efficiency of grounds management practices.

Understand the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in enhancing tree species identification and health assessment within grounds management contexts
Explore the functionalities and benefits of using LiDAR and aerial imagery to gain accurate, three-dimensionalinsights into tree structures and canopy densities
Learn how to leverage the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for effective remote sensing and health monitoring of vegetation
Discuss practical examples and case studies where advanced tree inventory technologies have been successfully implemented in professional grounds management
Identify the best practices for integrating these technologies into current grounds management workflows to optimize efficiency and ecological health

1. Advancing Tree Inventory
Technologies for Grounds
Management Professionals
Josh Behounek
Davey Resource Group

4. Right
Decision,
on the
Right Tree,
at the
Right Time

8. Software & Hardware Constraints

9. 1900
•mastectomy
1967
•lumpectomy
1980’s
•Chemotherapy
Current
•Targeted
therapy

11. Current Process

12. Unnecessary Data Collection with Standard Fields

13. Reactive

14. Subjective

15. Feedback Loop -Buffalo, NY Inventory Update
2001 2014 Difference
Sites 124,445 127,080 2,635
Total DBH 871,173” 817,627” -53,546”
Average
DBH
7” 6” -1”
# Species 281 247 -34
# Removals668 2,707 2,039
# Planting
Sites
48,761 44,619 -4,142

16. Feedback Loop -Condition Change Assessment
2001
Inventory
2014
Inventory
5,698
Poor
3 Dead
145 Poor
11 Fair
0 Good
293 Plant
5,246 New
38,199
Fair
298 Dead
3,445 Poor
26,830 Fair
962 Good
1,365 Plant
5,299 New
25,632
Good
259 Dead
717 Poor
8,952 Fair
9,783 Good
1,878 Plant
4,043 New

18. Step 1:We capture cm-accurate point cloud and
automatically identify each tree.
Tree
Tree
Tree

19. Step 2: Create a 4D Digital Tree Twin of each tree
4D DIGITAL TWIN
Multispectral Satellite Images
Panoramic Images
Point Cloud

20. Step 3: We analyze each tree and extract information
Clearance Issues
Live Crown Ration
% Dieback
Ecological Benefits
Digital Tree Twin
Change Over Time
Cohort Analysis
Size (DBH, Height, etc)
Species
Leaf Area Index
Leaning Angle

21. Step 4: Define outliers
Absolute Outliers (cohorts)
●Dead trees
●Too much lean
●Leaf Area compared to Size
●Canopy Width vs Tree Height
Relative Outliers (filtering)
●Trees > x”
●Trees in certain neighborhoods
●Certain species of trees
●Trees >40% dieback

22. Step 4: Define outliers
Absolute Outliers (cohorts)
●Dead trees
●Too much lean
●Leaf Area compared to Size
●Canopy Width vs Tree Height
Relative Outliers (filtering)
●Trees > x”
●Trees in certain neighborhoods
●Certain species of trees
●Trees >40% dieback

23. In Field
25 -100%
Remotely
0 -20%
Step 5: Davey Arborists assess outliers

24. Outlier Assessments

25. Make the Right Decision,
on the Right Tree,
at the Right Time

26. Implementing
Smart Tree
Inventory

27. 2 Year Cycle

28. Smart Tree Inventory Program
Year 1
Initiate Smart Tree
Inventory
Perform advanced
assessments
Install TreeKeeper 9
Year 2
Implement information
via TreeKeeper 9
Year 3
Re-scan smart tree
inventory
Perform advanced
assessments of
flagged trees
Perform change
analysis
Update TreeKeeper 9
Year 5
Re-scan smart tree
inventory
Perform advanced
assessments of
flagged trees
Perform change
analysis
Update TreeKeeper 9
Year 4
Implement information
via TreeKeeper9
Photo credit -greehill

30. Base Information –Species, Size, etc.

31. Health & Vitality

37. Road Clearance

38. Traffic Sign Clearance

39. Utility Line Clearance

40. Critical Root & Fall Zone

41. Human Thermal Comfort

42. Trunk Stability Index (beta)

43. Trunk Stability Index

44. Machine Learning
Advantages
●Objective
●Repeatable
●Efficient
●Precise

45. The Future is Now!
Josh Behounek
[email protected]
573-673-7530