A tree survey gathers information at a particular place and time. The arborist observes the tree and its setting, records the relevant measurements and condition, captures photographs, and explains recommendations for the client or project team.
A survey is the field visit
The survey is usually organised around a project brief. It may identify tree locations, species, dimensions, defects, condition, retention value, proposed works or development constraints. The important point is that the record is grounded in what was observed on site.
An inventory is the reusable record
An inventory keeps the tree record available after the first report. It can hold the location, species, measurements, photographs, inspection history, recommendations and completed works. That makes the next inspection faster and gives the team a consistent history to review.
Why the distinction matters
When survey information is treated as a one-off spreadsheet or PDF, later work often starts with duplicate entry. A structured inventory lets the team carry the same evidence into inspections, works planning, maps, schedules and client reports.
What to capture in both
- A stable tree number and mapped location
- Species, dimensions and useful site context
- Condition, risk observations and photographs
- Recommendations, priorities and proposed works
- Inspection history and the date of each observation
Canopy is designed to move from tree survey to living inventory, then into recommendations, mapped outputs and professional reports. The responsible arborist remains accountable for interpretation and sign-off.