What is Urban Forestry?

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council defines urban forestry as the art, science and technology of managing trees, forests and natural systems in and around urban areas, for the health and well-being of communities.

The City of Hoover recognizes the benefits of trees and is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and sustainable urban forest resource. Through preservation of existing trees and forested land, planting and replacement of trees, tree risk management, community education and outreach, and various other tree-related programs, Hoover strives to maintain a safe, livable and quality urban forest environment for its residents, businesses and visitors.

Brief Overview of Urban Forestry in Hoover

In 1996 the city adopted its Tree Conservation, Landscaping and Buffers Ordinance and hired a Landscape Architect for ordinance administration.  In 1998 Hoover hired a Forester for additional administrative capacity and to begin developing city-wide, urban forestry programming. 

Since those, "early days", Hoover has grown exponentially, utilizing its tree ordinance to encourage responsible land-stewardship and enhance growth.  Hoover has added substantial, passive park acreage to its public park system, including unique and wildly popular areas like Moss Rock Preserve, Inverness Nature Park, Veterans Park, Chace Lake Park, Aldridge Gardens, Black Creek Mountain Bike Park, Cahaba Riverchase Greenway, Flemming Park and others.  Hoover continues to manage the Hoover Memorial Trees Program, which provides opportunities to memorialize and/or honor loved ones through the planting of trees.  Hoover has maintained Tree City USA status for more than two decades, coordinating its annual Arbor Day efforts with the Hoover Beautification Board.  Hoover's annual Arbor Day programming transpires over the course of three weeks and is highlighted by Arbor Day celebrations at Hoover City Schools, the 4th Grade Arbor Day Essay & Poster Contests and a city-wide Arbor Day Celebration.  Additional urban forestry related programs offered by the Hoover Beautification Board include Hoover Green Team, the Commercial Beautification Awards and the Beautify Hoover Grant Program which offers supplemental funding for landscape enhancements on public property. 

With the vast majority of land and trees in Hoover being privately owned, the city utilizes its tree ordinance to guide landowners in responsible land development and redevelopment. Horticulture & Urban Forestry personnel also engage directly with individual homeowners and/or business owners to provide at no cost, basic tree risk assessment, pest/disease diagnosis, species identification and other tree and landscape management services. 

Hoover's Horticulture & Urban Forestry Division is currently housed in the Parks & Recreation Dept.  If you're a Hoover resident or business owner and have questions about your trees, ornamentals or turf, please call or email Colin Conner at 205-739-7141 / 205-288-6068 / colin.conner@hooveralabama.gov