Tree Inventory possible?

Three things have happened to make the inventory possible. First, a computer program by Davey Resource Group called ''TreeKeeper'' will reduce the cumbersome task of recording details about tree species, size and condition.

By reducing paperwork, a new computer program being employed in Deerfield Beach could save as many trees as it will soon begin to keep a record of.

In an effort to expedite the Federal Emergency Management Agency's reimbursement system following storms, the city's landscape architect is planning on creating a file for every tree on city-owned property, including recording the condition, attributes and location of each tree. At least, the trees that are still standing.

When Hurricane Wilma clobbered South Florida in 2005, Deerfield Beach lost thousands of trees. But without having any real numbers, the city found it difficult to navigate FEMA's reimbursement process.

''The tree inventory will help us to get reimbursed by FEMA in the event of another hurricane,'' said Harold Hoyte, the city's landscape architect. ''We created this inventory program around reimbursement.''

Three things have happened to make the inventory possible. First, Hoyte said, a computer program by Davey Resource Group called ''TreeKeeper'' will reduce the cumbersome task of recording details about tree species, size and condition. Second, the city got a $9,000 Urban Community Forestry Grant from the U.S. Forest Service, which went toward an $8,700 bare-bones inventory program. Finally, the city employed a landscape architect like Hoyte, who trained in Canada and spent 11 years working in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

''My predecessor had a different degree,'' Hoyte said. ''I am approaching this from the landscape architecture perspective.''

To that end, Hoyte said the program will help the city's grounds maintenance division identify which trees need pruning, fertilizing and other maintenance. While such work is performed mostly on demand, a completed inventory will enable the city to put tree maintenance on a schedule.

Hoyte said he has pushed the city for a tree inventory since he was hired two years ago. ''I'm looking at it from the health, safety and welfare of not only the residents, [but] I am here to preserve and protect the urban forest,'' he said.