How Arborsist Works

Arborsist uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to connect physical trees with their digital records. The system enables both workers and members of the public to interact with trees through a simple tap of their smartphone.

1

Tree Tagging

Trees are physically tagged with NFC labels that contain unique identifiers. These durable labels are affixed to trees in a visible and accessible location, typically at a standard height for easy scanning. The NFC tags are weather-resistant and designed to remain functional in outdoor environments.

2

Tree Registration

Workers use the Arborsist mobile app to register trees in the system. When a new tree is tagged, workers scan the NFC tag and create a digital record that includes:

  • Tree location (GPS coordinates)
  • Species identification
  • Initial condition assessment
  • Date of registration
  • Any relevant notes or observations

This creates a comprehensive inventory of all tagged trees that can be accessed by authorized personnel.

3

Public Issue Reporting

Members of the public can scan a tree's NFC tag using any smartphone with NFC capability. When scanned, the tag opens the tree's record in the Arborsist app (or prompts to download the app if not installed). Guests can then submit a report about the tree without requiring an account.

4

Report Submission

When submitting a report, users provide the following information:

  • Email Address: Used to contact the reporter for follow-up questions or to confirm issue resolution.
  • Safety Rating: The reporter selects either Urgent (for immediate safety concerns) or Informational (for general observations or non-urgent issues).
  • Description: A written description of the issue, concern, or observation about the tree.
  • Two Photographs:
    • One photo showing the full tree for context
    • One photo focusing on the specific affected area or concern

This comprehensive reporting system ensures that office staff have all the information needed to assess and respond to tree-related issues effectively.

5

Issue Review and Resolution

Office staff receive all submitted reports through the Arborsist management system. They review each report, assess the severity based on the safety rating and provided information, and take appropriate action. This may include:

  • Scheduling a site inspection
  • Assigning work orders to arborists
  • Contacting the reporter for additional information
  • Updating the tree's record with the issue and resolution

The system tracks the status of each report from submission through resolution, ensuring accountability and timely response to safety concerns.

Benefits of the System

This workflow creates an efficient feedback loop between the public, field workers, and office staff. By making it easy for anyone to report tree issues and providing workers with immediate access to tree records, Arborsist helps ensure that tree-related safety concerns are identified and addressed promptly.