What does i-Tree allow communities to analyze regarding urban forests?

i-Tree is a robust suite of tools developed by the USDA Forest Service that enables communities to assess and analyze the benefits of urban forests. Specifically, it provides valuable insights into the costs and benefits associated with trees and urban forestry systems. This includes an evaluation of ecosystem services such as air quality improvement, carbon sequestration, stormwater management, and energy savings, all of which are quantifiable and can be compared to the investment costs involved in maintaining urban forests.

Furthermore, i-Tree aids in identifying management needs and strategies, which is crucial for maintaining healthy urban forests. By assessing these factors, community planners and decision-makers can make informed choices about the future of their urban landscapes, prioritize tree planting and care, and effectively communicate the value of trees to residents and stakeholders.

The other options, while they may pertain to aspects of urban forestry, do not capture the comprehensive nature of i-Tree's focus on evaluating the direct costs and benefits alongside management strategies, making the correct answer especially relevant to the capabilities of i-Tree.