Best tree inventory software?

[OasisTree]

I am a consulting arborist/tree service owner, and have been asked by a local subdivision to do a complete tree inventory in preparation for a new sewer system. What have you all found works good for small inventory projects (under 800 trees) and is expandable, as I expect more of this type of work.

Also, I am at a bit of a loss to know how to price jobs like this, as most of my consulting jobs so far has been less than 20 trees.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[OasisTree]

Also those of you that are doing this type of work - do you give discounts on tree trimming, removals, or tree health services that you recommend and bid in-house?

 

[samsquatch]

Google search found this: https://arborprousa.com

Excel is my inventory go-to, but we're talking really small scale stuff, like keeping track of my saws, chains, bars, ropes etc.

 

[OasisTree]

What? Does no one on here do this type of work? Or maybe its not for general discussion?

 

[miguel in new mexico]

I helped a Master Gardener group inventory some city trees, with Tree Plotter, and thought it was great, but that's all I've used, and I don't know how it behaves long term, or if the price is worth it for less than 100''s of trees.

 

[CanadianStan]

What? Does no one on here do this type of work? Or maybe its not for general discussion?

Most people who do this kind of work are using GIS / ArcGIS (IE Municipalities, arboretums, forestry, parks boards, etc), with software built into a tablet or a dedicated GIS tool

 

[JD3000]

Bingo.

 

[cerviarborist]

ArcGIS is worth considering because it can also be handed over to the client to map their hardscapes, above and below ground utilities, irrigation, lighting and everything else so that they'll eventually have all their systems and landscaping captured and inventoried in one GIS collection program.

As to giving discounts on recommended work, personally I feel obliged to adhere strictly to objective consulting until completion of that assignment, to avoid the appearance of having my thumb on the scales in making recommendations for work. Once the consulting assignment is complete, I'm willing then to submit a blind proposal which matches the specifications which have been produced through the inventory and management plan. I figure if my pricing is relatively in line with other proposals they receive, they may see an advantage in having the chef who helped them create a cookbook, actually prepare the recipes. Offering a discount could be seen as seeking an unfair advantage by discouraging them from due diligence in requesting legitimate bids on the work. Best to avoid slippery slopes and establish yourself as an ethical consultant who can always be relied to stay on the high road.

My perspective is that since I only have one head, I'm only willing to wear one hat at a time. My contractors hat never goes on until after my consultants hat has come off due to completion of the consulting assignment.

Pricing is going to be based upon how long it's going to take you to do the field work for the inventory, and then to compile the yrequisite reports. Inventory pricing is like a menu in a Chinese restaurant. If they just want species, size and location, that's one price. If they want condition ratings, that's more. If they want recommendations for retention...more. Recommendations for treatments to improve condition...more. Tags..more.

Ultimately, your client is going to decide how much data they want to mine. You can always offer the "Happy Family" discount if they select multiple data sets to be collected in the field and compiled in your report.

 

[JD3000]

Engineering, Streets, Services, and Development departments here use ArcGIS.

 

[OasisTree]

ArcGIS is worth considering because it can also be handed over to the client to map their hardscapes, above and below ground utilities, irrigation, lighting and everything else so that they'll eventually have all their systems and landscaping captured and inventoried in one GIS collection program.

As to giving discounts on recommended work, personally I feel obliged to adhere strictly to objective consulting until completion of that assignment, to avoid the appearance of having my thumb on the scales in making recommendations for work. Once the consulting assignment is complete, I'm willing then to submit a blind proposal which matches the specifications which have been produced through the inventory and management plan. I figure if my pricing is relatively in line with other proposals they receive, they may see an advantage in having the chef who helped them create a cookbook, actually prepare the recipes. Offering a discount could be seen as seeking an unfair advantage by discouraging them from due diligence in requesting legitimate bids on the work. Best to avoid slippery slopes and establish yourself as an ethical consultant who can always be relied to stay on the high road.

My perspective is that since I only have one head, I'm only willing to wear one hat at a time. My contractors hat never goes on until after my consultants hat has come off due to completion of the consulting assignment.

Pricing is going to be based upon how long it's going to take you to do the field work for the inventory, and then to compile the yrequisite reports. Inventory pricing is like a menu in a Chinese restaurant. If they just want species, size and location, that's one price. If they want condition ratings, that's more. If they want recommendations for retention...more. Recommendations for treatments to improve condition...more. Tags..more.

Ultimately, your client is going to decide how much data they want to mine. You can always offer the "Happy Family" discount if they select multiple data sets to be collected in the field and compiled in your report.

This was the info I was looking for. Thanks!