Download a blank monitoring photo log
Agree what the photographs are recording
Identify the tree and the feature or question that prompted the monitoring. Confirm the scope with the responsible practitioner. Photographs may document a visible change, but they do not automatically establish its cause, significance or the appropriate action.
Describe the view so it can be repeated
Record the photo reference, visit date and viewpoint. Use a recognisable site reference and a description of the feature in view. Where practical and safe, include a context image as well as the closer view. Keep source images with any annotated copies.
- Project and stable tree ID.
- Visit date and photo file reference.
- Viewpoint and feature described.
- Earlier photograph used for comparison.
- Differences in conditions or view.
- Observation and related advice reference.
A monitoring example
Illustrative log entry: “T018, photo M04, current visit date. View of the described feature from the eastern path. Compare with M01 from the earlier visit. Current light and camera distance differ.” The record states what can be compared without claiming that the image alone proves improvement or deterioration.
Recognise the limits of a comparison
Lighting, season, camera angle, distance and obstructions can alter appearance. Note these differences. Do not approach hazards, climb or enter restricted areas to reproduce an earlier image. If the view is unavailable, record that limitation and discuss the next step.
Use the log alongside the visit record
The downloadable CSV contains headings only and can be adapted in a spreadsheet. It does not set monitoring intervals or perform image analysis. Keep the dated photographs, observations and professional review connected through the tree ID and visit reference.
See repeat-visit records, inspection photo checks and Sorbus assessment services.
Prepared by Canopy.