Community Framework
Criteria		Performance indicators			Key objective
	Low	Moderate	Good	Optimal
Relative canopy cover	The existing canopy cover equals 0%–25% of the potential.	The existing canopy cover equals 25%–50% of the potential.	The existing canopy cover equals 50%–75% of the potential.	The existing canopy cover equals 75%–100% of the potential.	Achieve climate-appropriate degree of tree cover, community-wide
Age distribution of trees in the community	Any Relative DBH (RDBH) class (0%–25% RDBH, 26%–50% RDBH, etc.) represents more than 75% of the tree population.	Any RDBH class represents between 50% and 75% of the tree population.	No RDBH class represents more than 50% of the tree. population	25% of the tree population is in each of four RDBH classes.	Provide for uneven aged distribution citywide as well as at the neighborhood level.
Species suitability	Less than 50% of trees are of species considered suitable for the area.	50% to 75% of trees are of species considered suitable for the area.	More than 75% of trees are of species considered suitable for the area.	All trees are of species considered suitable for the area.	Establish a tree population suitable for the urban environment and adapted to the regional environment.
Species distribution	Fewer than five species dominate the entire tree population citywide.	No species represents more than 20% of the entire tree population citywide.	No species represents more than 10% of the entire tree population citywide.	No species represents more than 10% of the entire tree population at the neighborhood level.	Establish a genetically diverse tree population citywide as well as at the neighborhood level.
Condition of publicly owned trees (trees managed intensively)	No tree maintenance or risk assessment. Request based/reactive system. The condition of the urban forest is unknown.	Sample-based inventory indicating tree condition and risk level is in place.	Complete tree inventory that includes detailed tree condition ratings.	Complete tree inventory that includes detailed tree condition and risk ratings.	Detailed understanding of the condition and risk potential of all publicly- owned trees.
Publicly owned natural areas (trees managed extensively; e.g., woodlands, ravine lands, etc.)	No information about publicly owned natural areas.	Publicly owned natural areas identified in a “natural areas survey” or similar document.	The level and type of public use in publicly-owned natural areas is documented.	The ecological structure and function of all publicly-owned natural areas are documented and included in the citywide GIS.	Detailed understanding of the ecological structure and function of all publicly owned natural areas.
Native vegetation	No program of integration.	Voluntary use of native species on publicly and privately-owned lands; invasive species are recognized.	The use of native species is encouraged on a project-appropriate basis in both intensively and extensively managed areas; invasive species are recognized and their use is discouraged.	The use of native species is required on a project-appropriate basis in both intensively and extensively managed areas; invasive species are recognized and prohibited.	Preservation and enhancement of local natural biodiversity.