Boston makes urban tree data available on open data hub

Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Urban Forestry Division are making urban tree data available on the Analyse Boston open data hub.

Building upon the completion of the street tree inventory in 2021 and ongoing efforts to inventory trees in parks, both street and park datasets are now accessible and downloadable through the data hub.

Urban forest analytics

The inventories will continue to be available in an interactive format via an external link to the tree inventory software from the City’s Urban Forest page. This integration into Analyse Boston consolidates valuable urban forestry information alongside other city datasets for research or analytic purposes.

The street tree and public tree inventories provide essential details and offer critical information on the species, size, location and even ecological benefits of trees, aiding in urban forestry planning and management.

Updated daily, the inventory reflects the ongoing work of Urban Forestry Division staff, who plant, prune, and remove trees citywide as part of a comprehensive tree care plan, offering a real-time snapshot of the urban forest’s composition.

“The signing of the public tree protection ordinance is a testament to our shared goal of building a city that prioritises environmental stewardship and community wellbeing”

Improved public access to inventory data not only fosters transparency but also encourages community involvement in the preservation and maintenance of the urban tree canopy, promoting the health and vitality of the city’s green spaces.

This initiative aligns with Urban Forest Plan (UFP) recommendations advocating for enhanced public access to inventory data and the systematic collection of information on park trees. The plan is designed to be a manual for how the Boston community can work together to prioritise, preserve, and grow our tree canopy.