Urban Forestry in Alabama

Scope of Urban Forestry

Urban Forests are a way of life in Alabama, but are often taken for granted. However, urban and community forestry programs impact each citizen. When urban forests are retained or planted, they become the key natural element that can unify the urban infrastructure. Trees are the backbone of the urban forest. They make communities more livable for people. The more people work with the urban forest, the better our cities will be.

A healthy urban forest is an ecosystem in its own right. It is a living and dynamic physical environment, integrated with and inseparable from the structural environment. From the city center, the urban forest extends to the outer reaches of the suburbs and well beyond the line, which blurs the distinction between urban and rural land uses. The stewardship of this urban ecosystem is the domain of urban and community forestry. Urban and community forestry is concerned with the health of individual trees as well as the productivity of the total urban forest. It also addresses the integrity of the urban forest environment in combination with human prosperity. Like a well-managed rural forest, a healthy urban forest must be tended as a multi-faceted “natural” resource to meet the needs of a diverse people.

History

Trees are important in Alabama and their histories can be told in the countless number of personal stories and actions of its early inhabitants. Many of these stories tell of people who planted or saved trees to protect their homes and communities from the elements, to provide life-giving products, or to demonstrate personal values and beliefs. Sometimes trees were used simply to serve as a living link to past memories and lost dreams. From the earliest inhabitants to the most recent generation, whether Native Americans or early pioneers and immigrants; trees were a way to make life better and more meaningful.

Prehistoric inhabitants of what is now Alabama practiced agriculture long before the arrival of the Europeans. No doubt, their use of fire and tree planting had a strong effect on the distribution of tree species. By the 1800s, Europeans began arriving in force. For many generations, these and other inhabitants actively did what they could to bring trees to their cities, towns, and communities. Tree planting was the most common “community forestry” activity. The British planted live oaks along the streets of Mobile as early as 1763. One can imagine the function and value of this tree species to those living in the Gulf Coast climate. It was not unusual for communities to experiment with tree species. In the early 1800’s, mulberry trees were planted along the streets of Cahaba, our state’s first capital city. Evidence exists of experiments with other tree species, as well.

Sometimes people planted trees to advance a belief or purpose. One of the best examples occurred on the grounds of Tuscaloosa’s Bryce Hospital during the mid 1800’s. The wife of the facility’s administrator believed trees and a park-like setting could be a positive form of mental therapy for the patients. Numerous exotic and native trees were planted and the facility’s landscape became part of the patients’ mental treatment.

Around the turn of the century, industrial development in Alabama plus the accompanying migration of people from other states accelerated the interest and sophistication of urban tree planting. Many brought with them the concept of tree-lined avenues throughout neighborhoods and along commercial districts. The remnants of these plantings can still be seen throughout the state. Urban tree planning emerged as an important element about this same time. One of the best examples occurred in Fairfield, one of Alabama’s first planned cities, where the original city plan called for the planting of thousands of trees.

For at least the first part of the 1900s, urban tree planting remained the status quo across the state. Alabama began to lag behind other parts of the country that were experimenting with organized tree programs. In fairness, Alabama has a much better climate for urban trees and did not suffer from the insect and disease pests that devastated large portions of Northern and Eastern urban forests.

The last half of the 1900s witnessed events that would move the state’s urban and community forestry program to a higher level. Much of this was due to Alabama’s transition from a rural to urban state, where the majority of all Alabama’s citizens would live in urban areas. As the state became more urban, quality of life issues, including city trees, became even more important to people. Elected officials recognized this and began supporting greater municipal activity concerning communities’ trees.

Silverhill passed the first recorded tree ordinance in 1935, which defined the pruning zone around its street trees. In 1961, the state’s first tree commission was formed in Mobile. The Mobile Tree Commission holds the distinction of being the only one enacted by a state legislative act. Authority was given the city to protect live oaks in specific areas. Not until 29 years later would there be a second tree commission in Alabama, this time in Foley through a local municipal ordinance. This unleashed a trend in the 1980s and 1990s that spread tree boards and ordinances across the state.

The concept of urban forestry was introduced nationally in the 1960s. Urban and community forestry was now defined as managing the urban forest as a system, not as individual trees. It borrowed elements from traditional forest management, including administration, policy, finance, planning, planting, maintenance, assessments, education, and removal. Through FS leadership (and funding), state forestry agencies began developing programs in the 1970s that provided urban forestry technical assistance to individuals and communities. The AFC fulfilled that role in Alabama beginning in the late 1970s. During that period, the emphasis was to help Alabama towns and cities organize local municipal tree programs. Tree City USA recognition became the main tool used by the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). One positive result of these efforts was an increase in the number of City Foresters and other municipal professionals. In 1985, Mobile and Huntsville became the first Alabama cities to hire City Foresters.

The emergence of other organizations began to expand the program beyond just the AFC. In 1989, the Alabama Urban Forestry Association (AUFA) legally organized as a nonprofit organization. Alabama now had an organized structure for representative involvement in the state’s urban and community forestry program. In 1992, Auburn University began offering an Urban Forestry Program to Graduate Degrees in Forestry and Horticulture. Several students have used this opportunity to pursue graduate training in the area of urban and community forestry.

In 1999, the AFC voluntarily shifted its lead urban and community forestry role to Auburn University through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). A statewide partnership was formed to better coordinate services and resources with other organizations and to support ACES statewide program delivery. Principal partners include ACES, AFC, AUFA, Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences (AU-SFWS), and the FS.

Today

Today, Alabama’s urban forests are a mosaic of individual trees planted and maintained among portions of the original natural forest. Rapid urban growth has increased the urban forest acreage to the highest level ever. The latest survey indicates that most trees in Alabama’s cities are native species. The majority are remnants of the natural forest and their “volunteer” progeny. Oak, pine, and dogwood are still the most prevalent native species in Alabama’s cities and towns. Program elements reflect all levels of maturity and sophistication.

Local community tree programs exist in almost every corner of the state. Many local governments recognize the value of the urban forest to quality of life. Citizens are more organized and actively involved. Businesses are providing more financial and logistical support. Educational institutions are supplying greater training and information. The private sector is making money in urban and community forestry. Urban and community forestry practitioners are using the latest technology.

Facts and Figures

• Alabama has 205,847,000 urban trees.
• There are 69 urban trees for each Alabama resident.
• Alabama urban areas have 48.2% urban tree cover.
• Alabama’s urban forests comprise 6.3% of the state.
• Approximately 20 cities and towns have at least one urban forester or city horticulturist on staff.
• Approximately 100 cities and towns are Tree City USA certified.
• Eleven cities are Tree City USA Growth Award certified.
• Two utility companies are Tree Line USA certified.
• Over 100 people are International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists.

Future

The future of urban and community forestry in Alabama is filled with enormous opportunities and potential. The urban forestry program will provide leadership to focus and coordinate urban forestry so as to improve both the quality of Alabama’s urban forest resource and the quality of life of all citizens.

Alabama Urban Forestry Partnership

The vision for Alabama’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is an Alabama Urban Forestry Partnership that effectively enables an informed citizenry to make responsible decisions to sustainably manage Alabama’s urban and community forests for diverse benefits.

Finding and getting help can make the difference between an urban and community forestry program that is a success or one that is not. The ultimate success of this plan depends on organizations and These organizations in Alabama can help citizens find the resources for a successful urban and community forestry program.

Alabama Forestry Commission

This state agency was originally established in 1924. The mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is to protect the forests from all harmful agents, to provide service to landowners and help them carry out responsible forest management on their property to benefit themselves, their land and society, and to educate the general public about the value of our forests in insuring both a healthy economy and environment. The agency has county, regional, and state offices.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization for the land-grant function of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. The System identifies statewide educational needs, audiences, and optimal educational programs that are delivered through a network of public and private partners supported by county, state, and federal governments. The organization unifies the land-grant efforts to provide educational opportunities that help people individually and collectively to make sound decisions about their lives, businesses, and communities and to develop economically, socially, and culturally.

Auburn University - School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences

Within Auburn University's overall mission as the state's Land Grant University, the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences' goal is to develop and maintain an outstanding faculty with the diverse backgrounds necessary to provide Auburn students and the citizens of Alabama with superior programs in forestry and wildlife education, research, and public service. With respect to undergraduate education, this means graduating individuals who have the skills necessary for initial employment as well as the breadth and depth of educational background to support career advancement and continuing professional growth.

Alabama Urban Forestry Association

This group was formed in 1989 as the state’s organized representative body on urban forestry. As a nonprofit organization, the AUFA attracts a diverse membership base to help support and deliver program services and activities. Its purpose is to act as a forum, resource, catalyst, and liaison concerning urban forestry issues in the state. Other activities include being a clearinghouse for information and materials, encouraging educational programs and observances, and promoting discussion on urban forestry issues.

Assistance Programs

Urban & Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program

Auburn University, through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, administers this federal cost-share program. Matching funds are provided to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions for projects that meet a primary urban and community forestry program need.

Tree City USA Program

The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the FS and the National Association of State Foresters sponsors this national recognition program. Communities must meet four standards to qualify for certification. These include a tree ordinance, a tree board or department responsible for the community tree program, a comprehensive tree program, and an Arbor Day observance.

Plant A Tree in Alabama Program

This program provides funds to eligible groups to plant trees in communities across the state. Organizations must have tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Service. Funding is provided by the Alabama Power Foundation with promotional and program support from the AUFA.