Twin Cities suburbs turn to technology to identify troubled trees

Published: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Twin Cities Suburbs Embrace Tech to Assess Tree Health

In a bid to combat the challenges facing urban forestry, several Twin Cities suburbs are adopting advanced technology to assess and manage their tree populations. This initiative comes in response to recent environmental stressors, including drought, severe storms, and the emerald ash borer, which have significantly impacted the region's tree canopies.

The core of this technological shift involves creating "smart tree inventories." These inventories utilize sophisticated tools, such as lidar (light detection and ranging) technology, to gather detailed data on individual trees. Lidar systems, mounted on vehicles, emit laser pulses that generate a 3D replica of each tree, capturing information on height, diameter, branch patterns, and other crucial metrics. This data is then used to assess the health and condition of the trees.

Cities like Plymouth and Bloomington are among the first in Minnesota to implement these new systems. Forestry officials are optimistic that these inventories will streamline their operations and improve their ability to make informed decisions about urban forestry. The technology is expected to provide a more objective and comprehensive understanding of the tree population compared to traditional methods, which often relied on manual assessments.

The shift to smart tree inventories is seen as a proactive measure to enhance the diversity and resilience of the tree canopy. By having access to detailed data, forestry teams can better plan for future challenges and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of their urban forests.

BNN's Perspective:

The adoption of technology to manage urban forests is a welcome development. While the initial investment may be significant, the long-term benefits of improved data collection and informed decision-making are likely to outweigh the costs. This approach demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and a proactive response to the challenges posed by climate change and invasive species.

Keywords: tree inventory, lidar, urban forestry, tree health, drought, storms, emerald ash borer, technology, Plymouth, Bloomington, data, 3D replica, tree canopy, environmental stewardship

Full Story