Case Study: Implementation of TreePlotter for Global Client Site Management

OVERVIEW

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) manages a commitment at over 23,000 locations worldwide, commemorating 1.7 million casualties from World Wars I and II. As part of their efforts to maintain these sites, CWGC sought an advanced system for tree and landscape management. This case study examines their adoption of TreePlotter, a digital tree inventory and management tool, and how it has transformed their approach to tree care, risk management, and sustainability across diverse global landscapes.

OBJECTIVES

The CWGC aimed to address several challenges:

  • Standardizing tree management practices across 78 countries.
  • Improving oversight and governance of trees and commemorative sites.
  • Enhancing risk assessment and maintenance tracking.
  • Incorporating environmental sustainability and climate adaptation into tree care strategies.

 

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

1 GLOBAL REACH AND LANGUAGE BARRIERS  

CHALLENGE:
The CWGC operates across multiple continents, with staff speaking various languages. They manage 17K individual trees and a further 5,600 trees in groups across their estate. Ensuring that all teams followed a uniform protocol was difficult.
SOLUTION:
Automated translations within TreePlotter allowed each region to use the system in its local language. Dropdown menus replaced free-text fields, ensuring consistent data entry regardless of language. Online training modules, including pictorial guides and video walkthroughs, improved accessibility for diverse teams.

 

2 CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT

CHALLENGE:
Climate change has increased the need for sustainable tree care and water conservation, particularly in arid regions.
SOLUTION:
TreePlotter provided carbon sequestration estimates, helping CWGC measure the environmental impact of their tree stock.

 

3 INCONSISTENT DATA AND MAPPING ACROSS LOCATIONS

CHALLENGE:
Previously, CWGC had different tree management systems for different regions, leading to inconsistencies in data collection, risk assessment, and maintenance schedules. Lack of up-to-date mapping hindered efficient decision-making.
SOLUTION:
TreePlotter’s centralized database enabled standardization across all sites, ensuring uniformity in tree condition assessment, maintenance logs, and historical records. The system’s real-time mapping and GPS capabilities improved accuracy, allowing CWGC to track tree populations effectively.

 

4 RISK MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

CHALLENGE:
Trees in cemeteries are subject to natural disasters, war, and climate-related hazards such as wildfires and pests. Previously, there was no global oversight of risk assessment schedules.
SOLUTION:
The CWGC integrated real-time risk assessment tools in TreePlotter, allowing for proactive tree inspections and maintenance scheduling. The system enabled tracking of wildfire damage, storm impacts, and pest infestations, ensuring quick responses to threats.

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