Tree Health Survey
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Provided by: Green Schoolyards America|Published on: July 31, 2026
WorksheetsScientist Reviewed
3-12
Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This survey worksheet has students observe schoolyard trees for signs of damage or disease from insects, birds, animals, or weather, developing observation skills and knowledge of tree biology and ecosystems.
- Two versions are provided: a simpler color visual guide for younger students and a more detailed worksheet for older students.
- The activity connects tree stress from lack of water, extreme temperatures, and soil compaction to greater susceptibility to insect outbreaks and disease.
Subjects: Science
Authors: Green Schoolyards America
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- Adapt this lesson to your students' level by choosing the worksheet version that best matches their needs and incorporating added levels of complexity.
- Plan for 30 to 45 minutes outdoors, using one worksheet per individual tree; for older students, divide the outdoor area and use a map or coordinates to mark each tree surveyed.
- Students can work independently or in small teams depending on the number of trees available; clipboards and optional magnifying glasses support close observation.
Extensions:
- Extend the one-time survey by repeating it monthly or seasonally so students can track changes in tree health over time and practice data collection.
- For older students, compile the data collected and analyze geographical, temporal, and average trends.
- Use the results to discuss why some insect damage is a natural and vital part of the food chain, and why avoiding pesticides protects children, pollinators, and wildlife.
This resource tasks students with surveying the health of trees in the schoolyard. Directions are clear, and the text is supported by numerous sources from the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program. This resource engages students in the crucial science skill of careful observation and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Green Schoolyards America
Green Schoolyards America partners with school districts and public agencies across the U.S. to establish large-scale living schoolyard programs that transform school grounds into ecologically-rich, park-like green spaces. Our goal is to improve children’s health, learning, and happiness while contributing to communities’ ecological and climate resilience.
We are working to change the paradigm for school ground design, use, and management so all children will have access to the natural world in the places they already visit on a daily basis. We center equity in our work and collaborate with communities that have the greatest need for educational, environmental, health, and open space improvements.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
