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Publication Date

12-18-2025

Urban tree planting efforts have accelerated globally, but systematic monitoring of planted trees, particularly of survivorship and growth, lags behind. To help address this challenge, we developed and implemented the Ascot App, a free, mobile-based tool designed to streamline citizen science data collection in urban habitat restoration projects. Deployed at a Miyawaki-style microforest in Ascot Hills Park, Los Angeles, the app enables volunteers with minimal training to scan QR-coded tags on seedlings and submit standardized, timestamped plant health data via an intuitive interface. The app reduces user error through simplified prompts and integrates directly with a web-based administrative portal for data export and management. Over the reported 14-month period, more than 2,100 monitoring entries were contributed for the 250 targeted seedlings representing 32 native California species. We estimate ~150 volunteers used the app and contributed to these data. Furthermore, plant survivorship was 96% and plant height increased 3-fold, with variation among species. Although we did observe instances of user errors (e.g., misidentification of deciduous trees as dead), the regular monitoring enabled longitudinal data validation. We also share lessons learned from our deployment, challenges with training modality, and analysis workflow. Ultimately, the app proved effective in democratizing data collection, reducing the time burden on researchers, and increasing consistency in field observations. The Ascot App demonstrates how smartphone-based tools can expand the scope and rigor of urban tree monitoring by leveraging the enthusiasm and contributions of the local community.

DOI

10.15365/1932-7048.1409

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