About
i-Tree Tools is a comprehensive, free software suite developed through a public-private partnership led by the USDA Forest Service and the Davey Tree Expert Company. Since 2006, it has served as the worldwide standard for quantifying the ecosystem services trees provide — from air pollution removal and carbon storage to stormwater interception. The suite includes multiple specialized tools: MyTree for quick individual tree assessments via web or mobile; i-Tree Design for detailed benefit forecasting with building interaction modeling; i-Tree Eco, a flagship desktop tool for full tree inventory import and field data evaluation; i-Tree Canopy for estimating land cover and canopy cover using aerial imagery; i-Tree Landscape for identifying priority planting and protection areas using US Census and canopy data; i-Tree Planting for projecting the value of future tree investments; OurTrees for quick community canopy lookups; and i-Tree Species for selecting the best local tree species based on ecosystem services. i-Tree is built on peer-reviewed science and is designed for a wide range of users, including urban forest practitioners, municipal leaders, private companies, students at all levels, and homeowners. All tools are free, with technical support provided. The platform helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions about tree planting, preservation, and urban greening investments, making it invaluable for environmental planning, community forestry programs, and academic research.
Key Features
- Individual Tree Assessment: Tools like MyTree and i-Tree Design allow users to quickly estimate the benefits and ecosystem services of single trees, including forecasting future value.
- Tree Canopy Analysis: i-Tree Canopy and i-Tree Landscape use aerial imagery and Census data to estimate land cover and identify priority planting and protection areas.
- Full Inventory & Field Data Evaluation: i-Tree Eco, the flagship desktop tool, supports full tree inventory imports and field-collected data to generate comprehensive individual tree benefit estimates.
- Tree Planting ROI Estimation: i-Tree Planting helps users project the long-term economic and environmental value of planned tree planting investments.
- Species Selection Guidance: i-Tree Species recommends the best tree species for a given location based on their potential ecosystem service contributions.
Use Cases
- A city parks department uses i-Tree Landscape to identify neighborhoods with low tree canopy coverage and prioritize areas for new street tree planting programs.
- An environmental science student uses i-Tree Eco to analyze field-collected tree inventory data for a thesis on urban heat island mitigation.
- A homeowner uses MyTree on their smartphone to estimate how much carbon their backyard oak tree is storing and how much stormwater it intercepts annually.
- A municipal sustainability office uses i-Tree Planting to build a business case for a $500,000 urban reforestation investment by projecting 20-year ecosystem service returns.
- An arborist consulting firm uses i-Tree Species to recommend the most ecologically beneficial tree species for a commercial development project in a specific climate zone.
Pros
- Completely Free: All tools and technical support are provided at no cost, making professional-grade forestry science accessible to everyone from homeowners to municipalities.
- Peer-Reviewed Science: Built on USDA Forest Service research, the platform delivers credible, globally recognized results suitable for academic, governmental, and professional use.
- Wide Range of Tools: The suite covers everything from quick mobile tree lookups to full desktop inventory management, serving diverse user needs in one ecosystem.
- Multi-Platform Access: Tools are available via web browser, iOS, Android, and Windows desktop, offering flexibility for fieldwork and office-based analysis.
Cons
- Funding Uncertainty: A change in USDA Forest Service policy has indefinitely halted traditional funding, creating uncertainty around the future development and availability of some tools.
- Server Stability Issues: Some tools like i-Tree Canopy and i-Tree Landscape have experienced outages, which can interrupt time-sensitive projects.
- US-Centric Data: Several tools (e.g., OurTrees, i-Tree Landscape) are limited to the continental United States, restricting utility for international users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is i-Tree Tools really free to use?
Yes, all i-Tree tools and technical support are provided completely free of charge. The project is funded through a cost-match between the USDA Forest Service and private partners like the Davey Tree Expert Company.
What is the difference between MyTree and i-Tree Design?
MyTree is the simplest tool, designed for beginners to quickly assess a single tree with minimal input. i-Tree Design is a more full-featured web tool that adds building interaction modeling and long-term benefit forecasting.
Can i-Tree Tools be used outside the United States?
Some tools, such as i-Tree Eco, can be used internationally. However, canopy and landscape tools that rely on US Census data and aerial imagery databases are limited to the continental United States.
What operating systems does i-Tree Eco require?
i-Tree Eco is a desktop application that requires installation on a Windows PC. Other tools in the suite are accessible via web browser or mobile devices.
Who is i-Tree Tools designed for?
i-Tree Tools is designed for a broad audience including urban forest practitioners, municipal leaders, private companies, students at all academic levels, homeowners, and environmental researchers.
