Investigating campus tree inventories in the northeastern United States

Trees are an essential component of urban greenscapes that provide shade, habitat for wildlife, and aesthetic benefits. Given their extensive landscapes, many college campuses function as green spaces within the urban matrix. An exploratory investigation of college campus tree inventories was conducted to identify the availability and accessibility of campus tree inventories in the northeastern United States, compare species diversity and tree measurements across campuses, and identify and promote best management practices. Using directed searches and non-probabilistic sampling, campus tree inventories were obtained from twenty-eight colleges spanning Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It was observed that trees are more often identified with common name than scientific name, that the quality of data varied considerably, and that campus tree populations lack diversity among genera (Acer, Quercus, and Pinus were often abundantly represented). Priority should be given to ensuring that 1) inventories are maintained, 2) tree species are identified using scientific names, and 3) key measurements are obtained. Standardising and recording campus inventory data in a systematic, consistent method would more readily promote direct comparison, robust analysis, and foster a broader understanding of the state of campus trees beyond a single institution. Tree programmes and student volunteers may incentivise more comprehensive campus tree inventory management.