Comprehensive Tree Survey & Management for Wakefield District Housing
Client: Wakefield District Housing
Project Scope: Identification, Surveying & Mapping of Trees on Former Council Land
Duration: 2011 – 2015
Total Trees Surveyed: 31,000+
Project Overview
Wakefield District Housing, having acquired large areas of former council-owned land, engaged JCA to undertake a comprehensive tree survey and mapping project. The objective was to identify, assess, and plot every tree within their ownership—including trees in communal areas and private gardens across multiple residential sites.
Our Approach
At the start of the project, Wakefield District Housing had limited information on tree numbers, locations, or conditions. Our role included:
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Tagging each tree for easy identification
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Recording detailed data such as:
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Species
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Age class
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Stem diameter
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Canopy spread
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Assessing tree form, pruning history, defects, and overall physiological and structural condition
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Making practical recommendations for tree maintenance, including pruning or felling where necessary
Managing Resident Concerns
Many trees were located in residential settings, so communication with tenants was key. Residents often requested pruning or removal, and we:
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Assessed these requests carefully
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Balanced tenant concerns with safety, budget constraints, and good arboricultural practice
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Ensured consistent management to avoid setting precedents that could impact future maintenance work
Data Management & Delivery
Given the vast number of trees surveyed, we developed a custom database to store and manage all tree data. Key features included:
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Integration with GIS shapefiles to provide precise location mapping alongside detailed tree attributes
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Ability for Wakefield District Housing to generate reports and maintenance schedules sorted by area, priority, or tree condition
Project Outcomes
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Successfully identified, surveyed, and mapped over 31,000 trees from 2011 to 2015
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Delivered a robust tree management system, now used in-house by Wakefield District Housing
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Continue to provide ad-hoc tree advice and staff training to support ongoing management