FAQ

What is TreesCount 2014?
TreesCount 2014 is an inventory of the public and private trees in Westdale that is taking place this summer. The data will be analyzed and summarized in  a report that will be presented to the community.

Has this kind of inventory been done before?
Yes! In 2003, Environment Hamilton conducted an inventory using the same protocol that we will be using this year. You can find the report here . TreesCount 2014 is an excellent opportunity to see how the urban forest has changed in the last 10 years.

Who is doing the inventory?
The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club is in charge of the project. Members of the club, along with volunteers from the community, will be collecting the data. The data will then be analyzed and compiled in a report by the University of Toronto.
 
Where exactly is the study taking place?
The study area will cover most of the Westdale South neighbourhood, bordered by Barclay St., Haddon Ave. N, Cline Ave. N and South Oval. 

What kind of data is being collected?
Volunteers will collect approximately 30 pieces of data for each tree inventoried. The data includes species, location information, size, condition and possible hazards. You can find a full breakdown of the data collection at http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/neighbourwoods/web/.

Is the City of Hamilton involved with TreesCount 2014?
The city is not directly involved with the inventory-this is an independent project of the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. However, we have contacted staff from the Forestry Department so that the city is aware of the study taking place.

Will volunteers be coming into my backyard?
Volunteers will be entering private backyards only with the permission of property owners. The 2003 inventory found that 70% of the urban forest was comprised of private trees, so it is extremely important to collect data on private trees in order to ensure that our study is complete and accurate. You can give permission for volunteers to enter your property by placing the “Count Me In” poster in your window, or by registering your address with the “Count Me In” button on our blog.

I have questions about some of the trees on my property. Who can I talk to?
If you have specific questions regarding tree condition, pruning, maintenance or removal, the best person to talk to is a certified arborist. They have the training and expertise required to address your concerns. There are a number of certified arborists in the Hamilton area. Their contact information can be found online or in your phone book.

How can I get involved in TreesCount 2014?
TreesCount 2014 is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to take part in the distribution of outreach materials and the collection of data. No experience is needed. There will be a training session before data collection begins, and training can be provided on-site as well. To sign up as a volunteer, you can email treescount2014@gmail.com. 

Who can I contact if I have questions?
For more information, you can email treescount2014@gmail.com, check out the TreesCount 2014 Facebook page, or tweet us here.