City Launches Interactive Tree Map

The City of Traverse City has launched a public-facing interactive tree map that displays the locations of street trees throughout the city. The map includes information such as genus, species, height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and other metrics for each individual tree, allowing residents to obtain information about trees in their neighborhoods and other public spaces and to report issues with any trees.

The database will be continually updated as the city plants new trees and removes existing trees, according to a city release. Each street tree has been labeled with an identification number. A citizen can submit a request online by clicking on a tree in question, entering the tree ID number, and reporting the issue. The ability for citizens to donate to the city's tree fund or donate a tribute tree is also available. In addition to street trees, city staff are working on an inventory of trees in city parks and city-owned properties to be incorporated into the interactive map.

The map is a multi-department collaboration between the Department of Public Services, including the Asset Management Division and Parks Division, and the City’s GIS Division, allowing "staff to make decisions on tree management including plantings, maintenance, and long term-planning," according to the release. Since 2017, the City has planted nearly 1,500 trees on-street and in parks.