Plan-it GEO

Plan-it GEO Mapping a Greener Future | An urban forestry software and consulting firm providing services to clie

Cities are finally moving beyond “more green is always better.” Recent research on ecosystem disservices shows that the ...
05/28/2026

Cities are finally moving beyond “more green is always better.” Recent research on ecosystem disservices shows that the same green networks that cool our streets and boost biodiversity can also spread wildfire, pests, allergens, or disease risk if they’re not designed carefully.

The opportunity now is “smart green” planning: mapping both benefits and risks, then adjusting corridors, species, and maintenance so nature still delivers shade, stormwater management, and well-being without amplifying hazards.

As climate pressures grow, the next generation of green infrastructure will be judged not just by how lush it looks, but by how well it balances services and disservices to keep cities safe, livable, and resilient.
https://go.nature.com/4noQtlg

📣Check out the MAY 2026 issue of CommuniTREE News with the latest in trees and tech news:☑️FEATURED CONTENT: Embracing N...
05/26/2026

📣Check out the MAY 2026 issue of CommuniTREE News with the latest in trees and tech news:
☑️FEATURED CONTENT: Embracing New Tech: Tree Inventory Collection With TreeD Mobile LiDAR Technology
☑️GUIDE: Tree Inventory vs. Tree Canopy Assessment-What's the Difference?
☑️REPORT: National Baseline Assessment of Urban and Community Forests
☑️ARTICLE: Schoolyard Canopy Enhancement Program
☑️UPCOMING EVENTS: 2026 Tree Cities of the World Forum, Greater Greener, FUFC Urban Forestry Summit 2026
☑️PODCAST: Trees Don’t Make Cities Livable They Make Cities Survivable
☑️ARTICLE: Small Gardens - Big Impact
☑️WEBINAR SERIES: Mobile LiDAR for Urban Forestry Webinar Series

Read the full 🌳MAY 2026🌲 CommuniTREE Newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/457vfyl

Here's an interesting finding from new research about city parks: the dense tree clusters that cool you down during a su...
05/21/2026

Here's an interesting finding from new research about city parks: the dense tree clusters that cool you down during a summer day may actually be trapping heat at night. Concordia University

Concordia researchers studied 13 Montreal parks and found that tree arrangement affects cooling in opposite ways depending on the time of day. Concordia University

THE MOST INTERESTING PART? Open grass areas — often hotter than pavement at noon — cooled down fastest after sunset, helping parks release stored heat overnight. Concordia University

This matters because during heat waves, nighttime cooling is critical for human health. Our bodies need those cooler hours to recover.

The research suggests a NEW WAY OF THINKING about urban park design: maybe it's not just about maximizing shade, but about creating the right balance for round-the-clock comfort.

Full study here: https://bit.ly/42MhhT0

How do you think cities should balance daytime shade with nighttime cooling?

Tree inventories are the backbone of effective urban forest management—but most cities struggle to keep them current.Tha...
05/19/2026

Tree inventories are the backbone of effective urban forest management—but most cities struggle to keep them current.

That’s where TreeD™ Hybrid Tree Inventory and Mobile LiDAR come in.

In our latest blog, we break down how a hybrid approach lets you:
-Use Mobile LiDAR to rapidly map trees and clearances across your right‑of‑way
-Focus ISA Certified Arborists on validation, risk, and priorities—not just measuring
-Share the same rich dataset across multiple departments, stretching limited budgets

If you’re writing an RFP, trying to modernize an aging inventory, or just curious what LiDAR really means for your urban forest, this piece is for you.

👉 Read the blog: Embracing New Tech: Tree Inventory Collection With Mobile LiDAR Technology https://bit.ly/4ukvsuY

What questions do you have about using Mobile LiDAR in your tree inventory work?

🌳 Planting Trees During Drought? Colorado Springs Shows How It's Done 🌳While 98% of Colorado faces drought conditions, C...
05/15/2026

🌳 Planting Trees During Drought? Colorado Springs Shows How It's Done 🌳

While 98% of Colorado faces drought conditions, Colorado Springs isn't hitting pause on urban forestry—they're getting strategic about it.

Through their "Grow Shade Together" program, the city is planting 3- to 5-year-old trees throughout Colorado Springs, despite Colorado experiencing one of its driest years on record.

Here's their approach:
-SMART SPECIES SELECTION - Instead of water-hungry cottonwoods, the city now opts for drought-tolerant species like Kentucky Coffee trees, bur oak, hackberries, and catalpa that thrive once established.
- LONG-TERM VISION - City forester Matthew Puckett explains: as trees mature, they help with long-term water conservation by keeping moisture on the ground—without trees, water evaporates quickly off pavement.
-CLEAR PRIORITIES - If water restrictions force residents to choose between lawns or young trees, the city tells them to prioritize the trees for their long-term benefits.

The Takeaway: Climate adaptation requires thinking in decades, not seasons. By selecting drought-tolerant species and educating residents, communities can build resilience even during resource scarcity.

What innovative approaches is your community taking to balance immediate constraints with long-term environmental goals?
Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3R6ggTy

05/14/2026

We had a fantastic time at Trees in the West here in Denver! 🌳

Alec Sabatini, Tiffany Albrecht, and Beth Corrigan represented the PlanIT Geo team, connecting with peers, learning from insightful presentations, and even enjoying a top-notch trivia night.

One highlight for us was seeing the Florida Statewide Canopy Assessment—completed by PlanIT Geo—featured in a presentation. It’s always rewarding to see this work contributing to broader conversations around urban forestry. Check out the Florida Statewide Canopy Assessment here: https://bit.ly/491PAtf

The QUOTE OF THE DAY that perfectly captured the spirit of the event:
"I'm getting old and sometimes I just don't want to deal with people anymore—I just want to hang out with the trees 🌳🌳"
—Justin Evertson, Plant Nebraska

Thanks to the organizers and everyone who made it such a great event. Looking forward to staying connected and continuing the conversation!

We would love to connect at some of our upcoming events, where will we see you? https://bit.ly/4s322jx

What do Motown and Detroit's urban forest have in common?More than you'd think! Detroit's legacy isn't just about cars a...
05/12/2026

What do Motown and Detroit's urban forest have in common?

More than you'd think! Detroit's legacy isn't just about cars and music—it's about powering through heavy challenges and collaborating to create something that benefits everyone.

And right now, that same spirit is rebuilding one of the most remarkable urban forests in America.

The story involves:
-A devastating loss that destroyed public trust
-An unexpected $10M investment
-High schoolers learning forestry through the arts
-A program called "urban acupuncture"

Detroit lost its tree canopy twice in 50 years. What happened next says everything about the city's resilience.

In an era of shifting environmental priorities, Detroit is proving that real change doesn't come from the top down—it comes from communities working in sync with each other.

Read the full story in Crain's Detroit to see how Detroit is turning environmental setbacks into a blueprint for equitable urban forestry 🌳
https://bit.ly/3PeSAeR

If you think planting more trees automatically makes cities livable… this episode might change your perspective 🌳The lat...
05/08/2026

If you think planting more trees automatically makes cities livable… this episode might change your perspective 🌳

The latest Internet of Nature podcast dives into a surprisingly nuanced question: do trees alone really create better urban environments? The conversation challenges some common assumptions and explores what it actually takes to design cities that are resilient, equitable, and truly livable.

Expect:
-Fresh thinking on urban forestry and its real impact
-A deeper look at how cities balance green infrastructure with human needs
-Insights that urban planners, sustainability leaders, and tech innovators will appreciate

It’s a thoughtful, sometimes provocative discussion that goes beyond feel-good sustainability narratives and into what works (and what doesn’t) in the real world.

🎧 Worth a listen if you care about the future of cities, climate resilience, or the role of nature in the built environment.

👉 https://bit.ly/4tcU3QI

Pocket gardens might be small, but their impact on city life is enormous—especially in cities like Charlotte. They cool ...
05/06/2026

Pocket gardens might be small, but their impact on city life is enormous—especially in cities like Charlotte. They cool down hot pavement, absorb stormwater, support biodiversity, and create much‑needed places for people to pause, breathe, and connect.

At PlanIT Geo, we’ve seen this firsthand through our work with the City of Charlotte and its broader urban forest vision. In our ebook, “WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM CHARLOTTE’S URBAN FOREST,” we explore how intentional planning and data‑driven canopy analysis can turn leftover spaces into green assets that support health, equity, and climate resilience.

We’re proud to have partnered with Charlotte on projects that help identify where small interventions like pocket gardens can have outsized environmental and social benefits. If your city is looking to cool streets, manage stormwater, and create more welcoming public spaces, Charlotte offers a compelling model for making room for nature everywhere.

Learn more about Charlotte's pocket gardens here: https://bit.ly/48Iywbu
Read the eBook here: https://bit.ly/4wfLurs

Invasive species are reshaping forests across the eastern United States, and understanding how to manage them has never ...
05/04/2026

Invasive species are reshaping forests across the eastern United States, and understanding how to manage them has never been more critical.

We wanted to share an excellent educational opportunity Purdue University's Forestry and Natural Resources Extension is promoting this May.

The USDA Forest Service Research and Development team is hosting a SIX PART WEBINAR SERIES focused on invasive species in eastern forests. Each session brings together leading scientists to share research-backed management strategies and explore the ecological and economic impacts of invasive threats like hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash borer, spongy moth, and beech leaf disease. The webinars run on select Tuesdays and Thursdays in May, starting at 2:00 PM Eastern, and are open to anyone interested in forest health, conservation, and management.

Whether you're managing municipal trees, working in community forestry, or supporting woodland owners, this series offers practical insights that translate directly into better decision making on the ground. Forests play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, protecting water resources, and contributing to local and regional economies, and as invasive species continue to spread, staying informed is essential.

Learn more and register for individual sessions here: https://bit.ly/4d3KBue

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