A client recently had a municipal tree inventory completed. The street trees were located on maps and were pretty easy to re-locate from the maps and descriptive data.

The margins between several green spaces and private properties were also surveyed and we anticipated that given the woodsy nature and the lack of streetfront addresses and features it would be wise to physically tag potential problem trees. The provider used pre-numbered brass tags about the size of a quarter and painted blaze orange nailed to the trees. They worked out very well.

I'd be interested in various tagging solutions: cost, availability, durability, ID method, etc. I've seen some info about tags with embedded memory chips.

What are everybody's experiences?

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on April 21, 1999 at 14:27:38:

Scott,

I wonder about using some sort of bar coding, since small handhelds like the Palm III can be fitted with barcode readers also. "The only difference between men and boys is the size of their dreams and the cost of their toys."

Bob

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on April 21, 1999 at 14:27:38:

There are quite a few electronic tagging systems around. Fujikura makes one that is a chip embedded in a ceramic nail. It can be buried inside the tree, but stills responds to the signal when necessary. IML makes another similar sort. The technology is pretty simple, it just needs to be more widely used to bring the unit costs down. Wayne Cahilly was investgating this last year - are U out there Wayne? tell us what you found if you have the time.

Julian Dunster

Reply to post by Julian dunster, on April 21, 1999 at 14:27:38:

This is the same technology used in the EZ Pass toll systems, the Mobil SpeedPass, etc. Uses a special type of diode, I believe, that responds to a signal and replies with a code. Expensive to get started, right now.

Reply to post by Julian dunster, on April 21, 1999 at 14:27:38:

Scott, Julian,

I have a load of literature from Fujikura and have had several conversations with their European office. I hope to test out the system within two years IF I can work out some pricing arrangement. At the moment the technology is just a little high for a non-profit to accept on the scale that we would need. If I figure pounds to dollars correctly, the chip with the largest recording capacity which is what we would require, in a hollow nail will run a couple dollars per tree. We have 10,000 accessioned trees in our collection so that turns into real money fast, however, if it works and it only needs to be done once........

I have names, numbers, and email addresses for the key people in Fujikura if you're interested Scott.

Wayne

Reply to post by Bob Underwood, on April 21, 1999 at 14:27:38:

Bob,

Several botanical gardens have been playing with barcodes for tree inventories, and recently a "bumpy barcode" reader has been developed that allows the barcode to be indented on an aluminum tag with a creditcard making machine (datacard inc.). Its more promising then the dark/light line codes on store packaging because it wont deteriorate in the environment. Cant find the literature right now. If I do Ill let you know.

Wayne