- Measure the girth (circumference) of the first tree at 4.5 feet from the ground. Record in inches.
- Note any evidence of human interactions on the shape or condition of the tree.
- List the value of the tree to the school--economic, aesthetic, and ecological.
- Locate next tree on the map and repeat steps 1-3.
Sample Survey Key
| Tree Species |
Girth |
Human Interactions |
Value to School |
| 11 |
20" |
planted, pruned, mulched |
Planted for ornament. Winter birds roost in branches, Kindergarten hangs handmade bird feeders upon it. |
| 12 |
11" |
soil compaction |
Provides needed shade in playground around roots. |
| 13 |
30 |
barbed wire buried in bark, lawn mower scars at base |
History embedded in tree. |
Blank Tree Survey Form
Sample Tree Key
Use succinct adjectives to communicate the most important features of the tree. Remember, you are conducting a social study. Your goal is to describe the value of the tree to humans. The science class can classify them.
| Tree |
Description |
| B1 |
Tall, young, spindly oak, not very attractive but may be in future. |
| B2 |
Magnificent, ancient oak, probably planted by the first family to build a home on this site. |
| B3-B7 |
A young pine forest, great place to play in the pine needles. |
| B8 |
Provides shade to the music room. |
| B9 |
Has a broken limb that could fall on playground. |
| B10 |
Mostly dead. Covered with cool fungus, has large hole about 15 feet off ground. |
Blank Tree Key Form
