making our urban forests...making our urban forests safer s torms are a way of life in alabama....

M a k i n g O u r

Urban ForestsS a f e r

Storms are a way of life in

Alabama. Somewhere

each year, a natural

disaster will occur and change

forever the face of a city, town,

community, or neighborhood.

No person or place is immune.Urban forests are also a way

of life in Alabama. Our cities andtowns have more urban treesthan any other state exceptGeorgia. Yet when storms andurban trees collide, the resultscan be severe. Storm-damagedtrees may topple over or breakapart. Some can be damaged

The goals of this handbook are:• raise your awareness of the benefits of our urban forest• describe how an urban forestry program can mitigate disaster

damage in your community• better equip you to lead your community in hazard mitigation

beyond repair and fail long afterthe storm occurred. The resultscan be clogged streets andaccesses, disrupted utilityservice, loss of city services,increased debris removal,damaged property, increasedrecovery costs, and a threat topublic safety. No matter whatour opinions are about urbantrees, we learn that nature’sforces can turn a tree into aproblem for both people and the places they live.

Storm-damaged trees andtheir consequences can never be prevented, but there is muchthat can be done to mitigate theproblem. This publication iswritten for those involved withor interested in their community’semergency management efforts.It shows how to strengthen acommunity’s emergencymanagement program throughmitigation, particularly as itrelates to urban trees.

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2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Definition of TermsCommunity emergency

preparedness team—representatives from municipaland county government and theprivate sector responsible forpublic safety during disasters.

Hazard—a possible sourceof danger that threatens life and property.

Hazard mitigation—anysustained action taken toeliminate future loss and damageto human life and property bynatural hazards (Local HazardMitigation Planning Manual,AEMA, p.2).

Hazard mitigation team—agroup of civic and county leadersorganized and responsible forplanning and executing a programto reduce the hazards and effectsof a disaster. Representatives mayinclude police, fire and publicworks departments; forestrydepartments; private arboriculturalfirms; media contacts;climatological centers; utilitycompanies; nurseries; and theemergency management office.

Hazard tree—thecombination of a failure of a tree(or tree part) with the presenceof an adjacent target.

Hazard tree mitigation—activities, such as regularinspection, assessment,maintenance, and removal, thatreduce the risk of trees topersonal safety and property.

Mitigation—actions andefforts that cause certainconditions or results to be lesssevere or harsh.

Urban forest—treesgrowing within urbanized ordeveloped areas.

These include street trees,open green spaces, undevelopedforested areas, trees in municipalparks and playgrounds, treesand vegetation on privateproperty, and trees aroundpublic buildings.

Urban forester—also calledcity forester, a professionaltrained in tree selection,planting, care, and maintenance.In some communities, a cityhorticulturist may perform thesefunctions.

Urban forest management—an administered program thatincreases the quality, quantity,and benefits of urban treesthrough planning, planting,removal, utilization, andeducation.

March 1993. The NationalWeather Service anxiouslytracked two massive weathersystems across the United States.The systems collided over theAtlantic states, plunging Alabamainto what became known as“The Storm of the Century.”

Tornadoes ripped throughAlabama communities, strippingroofs, flipping house trailers, andbreaking and uprooting trees.Roads were made impassable bydowned trees and live powerlines. It took eight days to fullyrestore service to over 400,000Alabamians.

In north Alabama, recordsnowfalls occurred in areas thatwere ill equipped to handle it.Trees and branches, snapped byice and snow, clogged roads anddowned power lines, bringingsociety to a standstill.

The aftermath of the Stormof the Century was millions oftons of tree debris scatteredacross the state for communitiesto clean up.

Two years later, HurricaneOpal slammed across Alabamawith a tidal wave of 100-mphwinds. The “Category 3” stormweakened the soil by dumpingup to 12 inches of rain on partsof the state, making the treesmore vulnerable to the wind.Again, downed trees and treedebris figured significantly in the$2 billion worth of property lossand cleanup.

“Hazard mitigation should be viewed as the foundation of emergency management.”

Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Manual, AEMA, p. 2

A foot of rainon parts ofAlabamasoftened soiland madetrees more vulnerable tothe winds ofHurricaneOpal.

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Making Our Urban Forests Safer 3

Trees and EmergencyManagementPreparedness Planning

Communities can improvetheir emergency managementcapability through planning.Good planning includes anurban tree-related component.

Sixty percent of Alabamaresidents live in urban areas. Urban forests provide manybenefits to a community’s qualityof life. But when storms or othernatural events occur, urban treescan turn dangerous and evendeadly. Each community musttake this into account and look for ways to better care for theirurban forest as they formulatetheir emergency managementplans.

The best emergency plan is a mitigation plan—one thatreduces the need for post-disaster response, advises theAlabama EmergencyManagement Agency.

Hazard mitigation is definedby the AEMA as any sustainedaction taken “to eliminate futureloss and damage to human lifeand property by natural hazards”(Local Hazard MitigationPlanning Manual, AEMA, p. 2).Trees are cited as one of the RiskSpecific Recommendations in theAEMA Local Hazard MitigationPlanning Manual (p. 55).

Hazard mitigation helpscommunities manage treesbefore the storm to reduce thelikelihood of injury and damage.

The urban canopy in Alabama is one of our biggest assets and one of our biggestliabilities in the aftermath of storms. “If municipalities invest more in urban forestmitigation, cities will be safer.” Chuck Weber, City Forester, Huntsville

Four Steps in Developing a Plan to Mitigate theImpact of Trees as Natural Hazards1. Evaluate urban trees, whether growing on public property or on private property, that endanger public safety or property.

2. Describe and analyze state and local hazard management policies,programs, and capabilities needed to mitigate trees as hazards.

3. Establish hazard mitigation goals and objectives; proposestrategies and plans to reduce or avoid the effects of urban tree hazards.

4. Devise a method of implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and updating the urban forestry element of your mitigation plan.

“When a storm strikes, I no longer work for the city of Mobile—I work for Emergency Management.”

Ron Jackson Mobile City Forester

It reduces cost and time inrestoring the beauty and functionof neighborhoods and businessdistricts after a storm strikes.

“Hazard mitigation is planning for the unplanned. But knowing that storms will come, city leaders can work together to reduce storm damage by identifying and correcting hazard tree situations.”

Neil Letson, Urban Forester Alabama Cooperative Extension System

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Alabama’s NaturalDisaster Scorecard

For many Alabamacommunities, Hurricane Opalwas a wake-up call as to theimportance of—and potentialdangers of—their city trees. InAlabama, 38 counties qualifiedfor full disaster aid throughFEMA.

Alabama Power Companycrews worked around the clockfor seven days to restore servicesto nearly 500,000 people.Thirteen cities were approvedfor half a million dollars infederal funds just to contract for hazard tree removals andtree replacements.

Secondary cleanup to disposeof fallen trees and stumps tookmonths and strained the budgetsof affected communities. Citiesthat had urban forestrymanagement programs faredbetter than those cities without

a program so far as amount ofdamage and amount of time toclear streets and restore services.

While a hurricane like Opalis an unusual occurrence inAlabama, every year we faceother natural disasters: ice and snow storms, freezes, highvelocity winds from tornadoes

and thunderstorms, floods,droughts, fires, and widespreadinsect and disease infestations.These natural disasters costmillions of dollars in cleanupand recovery of urban forestvegetation and pose seriousthreats to property and human life.

Utility companies can mitigate urban treehazards through proper trimming, treeplanting, and public education.

Alabama has some 206 million urban trees, or about78 trees for every person living in urban areas.These grow along street right-of-ways, in publicparks and recreation areas, in cemeteries, on schoolcampuses, and around public buildings. Cities areliable for the maintenance of trees on publicproperty. So when a tree or limb fails, the city mayhave to pay for damages.

“The devastation from Hurricane Opal caused Alabama communities to qualify for $41 million in public assistance for damage and cleanup costs, much of it due to tree failure. Every year we have major tornadoes, thunderstorms, and ice storms, and trees are a major cause of problems.”

David Poundstone Public Assistance Officer, AEMA

Alabama’s Weather Scoreboard 2000Event Number* Human Deaths Injuries

Tornadoes 43 13 163

Lightning 20 0 11

Thunderstorms 416 0 0

Flash Floods 26 0 0

Hail 257 0 0

*Number of documented eventsSource: NOAA/National Weather Service

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Benefits of TreesYes, trees can cause

problems when they fail, but ifactively managed, their benefitswill far outweigh their costs.

Urban trees provide thesebenefits:

• Economic—Trees increaseproperty value. They reduceheating and cooling bills.

Trees may increase realestate value by 8 to 15 percent.Realtors report that wooded lotssell faster than bare lots.

“The rule of thumb is that atree is worth about $100 perinch diameter,” says RonJackson, Mobile City Forester.

According to Jackson, Mobileis a city that recognizes the valueof their trees. Some of the oldlive oaks that line Mobile citystreets are valued at $20,000 to$25,000. A 3-mile stretch ofGovernment Street alone hasabout $7 million worth of trees.

“Having a large live oak inthe front yard of a house inMobile probably increases thevalue of the property by$10,000-$15,000,” estimatesDavid Daughenbaugh of theMobile Forestry Department.

Trees conserve energy byreducing heating and coolingcosts. The USDA estimates thatthe net cooling effect of ayoung, healthy tree is equivalentto ten room-size air conditionersoperating for 20 hours a day.Trees properly placed aroundbuildings can reduce airconditioning needs by 30percent. They can also shelterbuildings from wintertemperatures. This can save acity a lot of money.

• Environmental—Trees aidconservation of naturalresources, reduce pollution,shelter wildlife, and provideeducational settings.

“Trees are the main cause of damage topower lines during storms. The damage is the most costly to repair and the mostlikely to interrupt service—outage thatcan be an inconvenience or lifethreatening.” Danny Glover, AlabamaPower Company

A city scene withwell-placed trees increasesproperty value,conserves energy,protects the environment,provides wildlifehabitat, addsbeauty, andenhancescommunitycharacter.

The benefits of urban trees far outweigh their costs.

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Trees improve water qualityby lessening the impact ofprecipitation on the ground,stabilizing soil with their roots,and reducing erosion and runoff.Trees can reduce noise byscattering and reflecting soundwith their leaves and branches.They help control air pollutionby removing and filteringairborne pollutants.ARCHIVE


Trees create wildlife diversityand provide educational value.People enjoy observing andinteracting with wildlife in theurban forest. Wooded areasprovide opportunities forteachers and parents to sharewith students the importance oftrees and how they benefit us.

Vasha Rosenblum, a teacherat South Shades Crest School inBirmingham, has pushed backthe walls of her classroom toestablish Eco-Site, using grantsfrom Alabama Power Companyand the Urban and CommunityForestry Financial AssistanceProgram. Eco-Site allows studentsto plan, plant, maintain, andobserve trees and other plantson the school grounds.Rosenblum uses the children’sexperiences with Eco-Site toenrich science, math, andlanguage studies.

• Quality of life—Treesimprove people’s health andwell-being.

Trees add beauty to ourlives. We all enjoy walking andplaying under shady trees,picnicking in a tree-coveredpark, enjoying the blaze of fallcolors during an autumn drive,and reveling in the sights andsmells of flowering trees in the spring.

People in the city ofHuntsville placed so high avalue on a century-old pinkdogwood that they spentthousands of dollars to relocateit to the local botanical gardenwhen a road-widening projectcondemned it.

“It was worth every pennyspent,” says Chuck Weber,Huntsville City Forester. “Thattree is a community treasure.”Properly planted trees screenunpleasant views and enhancethe street view of buildings.Architecturally, they createspaces by dividing large areasinto smaller, more compre-hensible units. They defineareas, emphasize direction, and provide boundaries.

Trees enhance the characterof a community. Communities

with tree-lined streets anddowntown areas tend to beassociated with high quality oflife standards and civic pride.

Imagine the city of Eufaulawithout the trees lining thehistoric main street. ImagineWashington, D.C., without thecherry trees. Trees attract peopleto visit and live in communities.

“People come to Mobilebecause they like the live oaks,”says Ron Jackson. The live oaksare part of the reason Mobile isknown nationally as “The CityUnder The Trees.”

Trees improve personalhealth. Studies show that treesactually reduce stress associatedwith urban settings, creatingfeelings of relaxation and well-being. Hospital surgery patientsprovided a view of trees andvegetation had fewer compli-cations, needed less medication,and had shorter hospital staysthan people whose windowsoverlooked buildings. (Dr. RogerS. Ulrich, Texas A&M University,1984)

City trees provide wildlife habitat.

School children in Birmingham learn fromand about trees at Eco-Site.

Urban trees enhance tourism in a community and improve the local economy.

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Whose Trees Are These?Ultimately, those who will

buy into urban forest mitigationare those who are liable—electedofficials, risk managers, publicworks and parks and recreationdirectors—and those to whomthe community has entrusted thesafety of property and citizens—EMA personnel, utility companyrepresentatives, police and firedepartments. These people canform powerful alliances tocooperate in making theircommunities less susceptible to tree damage.

While everybody in acommunity benefits from urbantrees, there is debate and oftengreat emotion about whoseresponsibility it is to maintaintrees growing on public property

and right-of-ways. Too often,these trees are both “nobody’strees” when it comes to fundingand maintenance and “everybody’strees” when it comes to enjoyingthe benefits.

Activity that spells “mitigation”to the city may be perceived as“mutilation” to the citizen.

“In some cities there is acombative attitude,” says RachelBuice. “The utility companies aretrying to protect services at allcosts; so if a tree or limb is in theway, they are apt to cut it. Thecitizen often wants the tree left as it is and hurts when theyperceive that a utility ‘mutilates’ it.”

Allen Hendrix, Public WorksDirector in Valley, sees a differentperspective. “People often calland want us to take trees down. Our forester does an assessment

and takes a recommendation before the city tree commission, then to the city council, beforeauthorizing that a tree be removed,” Allen explains.

“Our tree program used to consist of: If a tree falls in the road, we clean it up. Some lawsuits—mostly related to tree-damaged vehicles—got our attention, so now we have a tree program in place. Even more importantly,public safety has been improved.”

Allen HendrixDirector of Public WorksValley

“The urban forest is a limited resource. It’s a hard life being an urban tree, contendingwith bad soil, pavement, and sidewalks on a right-of-way; sewer lines that block rootgrowth; and power lines that necessitate branches being trimmed. But our economicdevelopment has improved since we started improving our city’s gateways withplantings.” Rachel Buice, City Horticulturist, Opelika

Power takes precedence over trees.

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Having an urban forestrymanagement program withprescribed tree maintenanceprocedures can help avoidmisunderstanding and confron-tation while improving the health,safety, and attractiveness of thetrees in the community.

When it comes to publicsafety, tree care can become amatter for the courts. Even duringa storm, cities may not be relievedof all liability for damage due tofailed trees. Cities have somelegal responsibility for trees thatgrow either totally or partially onpublic property.

City officials should consultthe city attorney or the AlabamaLeague of Municipalities for legalguidance regarding urban trees.

“We have workorders showing thatwe’ve done the bestcare of trees that wecould. I can’t think ofa [court] case we’velost, because wemaintain goodrecords.”

Ron JacksonCity Forester, Mobile

Those in positions ofleadership in establishing andmaintaining a community’semergency preparedness shouldbe informed about liability andtrees. For further informationand/or training, contact theArbor Day Foundation abouttheir workshops. [See Resourcesfor contact information]

Cost vs. Value—SomeQuestions and AnswersWon’t an urban forestrymanagement program costmy community money?

Yes. One estimate is thatmunicipalities with forestryprograms spend between $8 and $11 per tree each year.These costs include repairing,fertilizing, watering, spraying,storm work, supervision,pruning, planting, and removal. How can we justify spendingthat much money?

The AEMA’s Local HazardMitigation Planning Manual putsit this way: “A fundamentalpremise of mitigation strategy is that current dollars spent onmitigation will significantlyreduce the demand for future

Tree maintenance duties of a municipality includethe following:1) Provide reasonable care for trees growing on public property.

2) Take reasonable actions to prevent hazard trees.

3) Inspect trees for flaws based on what is obvious to anyreasonable person and what he or she should know.

“If a tree trunk is on your property, thenit’s your tree.” Kristy Ellinberg, Foresterand Lawyer, Clemson (S.C.) University

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dollars needed for emergencyrecovery, repair, andreconstruction following adisaster” (p. 2). Translation: To save money, you must spend money. Besides,mitigation makes yourcommunity a safer place.

We’re a small municipality.How can we afford an urbanforestry managementprogram?

The real question may be,How can we afford not to havea tree program? An urbanforestry management program islike an investment. You investresources and expect greaterbenefits in return. If acommunity invests wisely, thenthe returns will be even greater.The key is to use all of itsresources creatively.

Some municipalities haverealized a direct financial rewardfor their tree risk managementprograms, as explained by AllenHendrix, Director of PublicWorks, Valley:

“The Valley tree program has saved the city money byinclining judges in favor of ourmanagement practices inpotential lawsuits, but it has also increased the value of our property.”

If we implement an urbanforestry management program,what will we be spending ourmoney to do?

According to a national studyby Dr. J. James Kielbaso ofMichigan State University, thetypical street-tree budget in a newurban forestry program willdesignate about 50 percent of itsfunds to tree maintenance,including emergency repairs fromstorms and other disasters. The restcovers tree and stump removal,tree planting, and administrativeand supervision costs.

Once the street-treemanagement program isestablished, the budget shouldshift some of the tree maintenanceand tree and stump removal fundsinto mitigation activities such asproper tree planting.

Are there ways to stretch ourbudget to help us get a treeprogram started?

Yes. For example, not allcommunities can afford a full-time urban forester. Many willfind resourceful ways to gain the

urban forest expertise they need.One approach is to use theservices of a local, regional, orstate-level urban forester. Insouthwest Alabama, the RegionalConservation and DevelopmentCouncil hired an urban foresterto serve 13 towns and citieswithin its region. Each communityreceived assistance in proportionto the amount contributed.

Some communities jointlyfund an urban forester or contractwith a professional forester to getthe forestry expertise they need.Others have called on countyExtension agents or the countyoffices of the Alabama ForestryCommission with specificquestions. Local experts andqualified citizens may alsoprovide assistance.

New Urban Forestry Program Budget Established Urban Forestry Program Budget

Tree Maintenance 50%

Tree & StumpRemoval

30%

Administration10%

Tree Planting

10%

Tree Maintenance 45%

Tree & StumpRemoval

20%

Administration10%Tree

Planting25%

Utility companies are usually interested inremoving hazard trees that threaten theirlines. They can be valuable allies in hazardtree mitigation.

“There is a way forevery municipality tohave access to urbanforestry expertise.”

Norman BurtonAla-Tom RC&D Coordinator

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For a stable source of pro-gram funding, most communitieswill rely on the general tax fund,although some municipalitiescollect special levies or assess-ments. Each community mustdecide the best way to fund its urban forestry managementprogram.

Is there any group alreadydoing some urban forestrymitigation that we couldpartner with to get us startedor to stretch our budget?

Yes. Nearly all Alabamacommunities have localbusinesses, groups, andorganizations that can provideneeded services and funding. An excellent example is a utilitycompany. City officials can oftenpartner with a local utilitycompany to remove trees totheir mutual benefit. Some utilitycompanies may entertain a treereplacement program where itmakes good business sense.Utilities want to work with

municipalities for the commoninterest of keeping servicesavailable.

So what you are saying is…In a balanced hazard

mitigation program approach,the value of trees to ourcommunities justifies theexpenditures to plant, maintain,and repair trees. Add to that theimmeasurable value of livessaved and damage avoided, andit doesn’t make sense NOT tohave an urban forestrymanagement program. Potentialsources for funding andassistance are listed on page 23.

Urban Forestry program includes regular inspection and assessment of municipal trees.This provides the best way for local government and the resident to have safer trees intheir community. ARCHIVE


Four major categories ofemergency management planningare mitigation, preparation,response, and recovery. An urbanforestry management programhas a role in all four phases, butits greatest impact may be in themitigation phase.

“Mitigation is the cornerstoneof emergency management. It’sthe ongoing effort to lessen theimpact disasters have on peopleand property. Mitigation involveskeeping homes away from floodplains, engineering bridges towithstand earthquakes, creatingand enforcing effective buildingcodes to protect property fromhurricanes—and it also involvesidentifying and managing hazardtrees,” says Debbie Peery, AEMAHazard Mitigation Officer.

Communities with aneffective urban forestrymanagement program will:

1. help business and industryreduce or avoid damage andremain operational whendisaster strikes.

2. protect critical service facilities so that they can remainoperational or reopen morequickly.

3. help reduce propertylosses and human suffering. Thissaves money and resources afterthe storm.

To maximize the benefits ofa mitigation plan, include theseurban forestry features:

• a qualified urban forester• a tree policy• a tree board• a plan to educate the public

Starting an Urban ForestryManagement Program

No two communities will havethe same urban forestry manage-ment program or structure. Eachtown and each city has its own setof needs, abilities, and resources.An urban forestry managementprogram must be tailored to fit thelocal circumstances of thecommunity itself.

Even then, an urban forestryprogram may not become a realityunless there is local interest. Manytimes this will begin with oneperson or a group with theknowledge and understanding tosell urban forestry to theircommunity.

“One of our city councilmembers was interested increating a tree managementprogram. He educated the entirecouncil and got the city toestablish and fund a tree board,”says Allen Hendrix, Director ofPublic Works, Valley. “We have a population of 9,500 and a tree budget that has increased to $36,000.”

Valley’s tree managementprogram, including essentialurban forest mitigation, hasalready saved the city money by helping avoid costly tree-related lawsuits.

A local hazard mitigationteam is a good choice to take thelead in promoting a communityurban forestry program. Theteam will have the credibility tosell the concept as beneficial tothe community and as mitigationto future natural disasters.

Fitting Urban Forestry intothe Hazard Mitigation Plan

Cutting and trimming hazard trees beforethe storm reduces the risk of injury anddamage.

Urban forestry plays a key role in the emergency management planning cycle.

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The Hazard Mitigation Team

All local hazard mitigationteams should include someonewith urban forestry expertisewhether a staff urban forester, a private forester under contract,or some other professionalurban forester. Urban forestersbring expertise because theyoversee the monitoring,assessment, protection,maintenance, planting, andremoval of trees on publicproperty. They also haveexperience in surveying treedamage after a disaster and can recommend maintenance,removal, and replacement. In addition, they can reviewdevelopment plans to identifypotential harm to trees andrecommend alternatives.

The urban forester is just one of the professionals to include whendeveloping a hazard mitigation plan. A core group of people thatplan and manage activities should include representatives from thefollowing groups:

—police, fire, and public works departments—forestry department—private arboricultural firms—media contacts—climatological consultant—utility companies—nurseries—emergency management officeAll mitigation plans in the community—fire, flood, and tree-

related—should be coordinated by this mitigation team.Funding to implement goals and objectives may be available from

sources such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program administeredthrough the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

Getting a good tree program started canbegin with one interested individual.

Urban Tree Issues in a Pre-Disaster Mitigation PlanA disaster mitigation plan should include these goals and objectivesfor managing the public tree resource in a community:

Recognize value1) Recognize that trees are important to the community.

2) Recognize the specific benefits of urban trees.

3) Recognize that trees need management and care.

4) Identify the fact that trees can become hazards.

Establish procedure1) Recommend that tree expertise be sought.

2) Establish the authority responsible for administering the urbanforestry management program. This is often accomplished throughlocal ordinances and policies.

3) Suggest strategies for assessing hazard trees and recordingmitigation measures.

4) Provide resources and oversight for management and care of the urban trees.

5) Identify cooperating agencies and possible funding sources.

Prescribe activity1) Remove trees that are no longer healthy.

2) Promote regreening, replanting, and recovery activities andproper tree placement.

3) Follow the suggestions from successful and knowledgeableorganizations for a sound urban forestry management program (see Suggestions for a Sound Urban Forestry Hazard MitigationProgram box).

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Practical Steps You Can Take to Implement an UrbanForestry Management Program as Part of a CommunityHazard Mitigation Plan

1. Lay the groundwork.• Learn about urban forestry, especially as it relates to storms and

natural disasters.• Develop a personal commitment to the potential of how

an organized tree program can mitigate storm damage.• Find out what’s already being done in your community or

county, who are the foresters, city tree commission members, andelected officials committed to preserving and managing the urbanforest. The people who should be talking about how urban forestryfits into the overall hazard mitigation plan are EMA directors, cityclerks, risk managers, urban foresters, directors of public works, and directors of parks and recreation.

• Focus your efforts. Research and understand the conditions and framework that will make the community more receptive to this concept. Find a credible member of the community who canvalidate the community’s needs and encourage receptivity to themitigation plan.

2. Sell your concept.• Identify key people to approach with this concept. A natural

starting point is the community’s hazard mitigation planningcommittee, which should contain some mix of public works directors,department of parks and recreation directors, mayors, city planners,EMA directors, urban foresters, and representatives from the mediaand from public safety (fire and police). Remind them that trees addmuch value and pleasure to the community and the city is responsiblefor and liable for each tree growing on municipal property.

• Hold a meeting or discussion with this group. Try to answerthese basic questions: Do they understand the concept of an urbanforestry management program as a means of mitigating stormdamage? Do they agree that their community needs an urban forestrymanagement component in their planning process? Will they agree topursue this concept in their mitigation planning process?

• Encourage the mitigation planning team to add key urbanforestry-related representatives. These include representatives from

local utility companies andprivate arboricultural companies,an urban forester, directors ofparks and recreation and publicworks departments, andappropriate state agencies.

• In your overall planning,include provisions for urbanforestry mitigation. Help thelocal mitigation planning teamincorporate forestry managementin their mitigation planning.

3. Support local mitigationplanning committee efforts.

• Maintain a list of urbanforestry management resources.Help committee members locateknowledgeable people, competefor funding, and become awareof successful examples in thecommunity.

• Inform the public and the media about the urban forestmanagement program. Have anews packet and public infor-mation ready to distribute. [seeResources, p. 23].

• Recognize success. If yourcommunity includes urban forestmanagement in their localmitigation planning efforts, findways to acknowledge this inprivate and in public ways.

Suggestions for a Sound Urban Forestry HazardMitigation Program1. Require up-to-date knowledge and the practice of good tree care.

2. Conduct regular assessments and inspection. Carry out frequent,close inspections of every tree within striking distance of a road orstructure.

3. Keep systematic records of trees and tree activity.

4. Use trained urban foresters to recognize defects.

5. Don’t ignore identified hazards. Remove trees when they are nolonger healthy.

6. Select the right tree for the right spot. Plant trees correctly.Maintain the trees for vigor, structure, and form.

—from Tree City USA Bulletin No. 15, National Arbor Day FoundationCommunities who decide to make urbanforest management a priority may chooseto follow the guidelines in award andrecognition programs such as Tree CityUSA. See Resources for contactinformation.

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• Visit communities thathave a good tree program to seehow they do it. Several suchcities are cited in thispublication.

Informing the PublicCitizens should know how

the local urban forestry programmakes their community safer forpeople and property. As theurban forestry component of yourmitigation plan is carried out,look for ways to tell your story.

Media such as radio,newspapers, and brochures canbe used to promote special treeprogram and activities.

In addition, student and adult groups and civic clubs often need speakers, so have one or more presentations ready.

In these and other casescitizens can learn tree planting andcare techniques that will maketrees safer on private property.

Two such informationalemphases are helping citizensfocus on the value of trees inLee County. The City of AuburnTree Commission launched their“2000 in 2000” program,encouraging citizens to beginplanting 2000 “heritage” trees inthe year 2000. The emphasis wason planting the right tree theright way in the right place.

Explains James Jennings, City Forester, Auburn: “Throughthis tree program, the TreeCommission plants a tree onprivate property in exchange for the landowner’s promise tocare for the tree. The communitybenefits from the resultingbeauty and shade.”

Nearby, in Opelika, a TreeTrust program is being promotedthrough an effort called “Rootedin Opelika.” The Opelika TreeCommission invites citizens tohonor or memorialize a personor event by donating to the Tree

Trust Fund. Funds are used topurchase and plant trees. Theprogram educates the publicabout which trees grow best in Opelika and how to plantthem properly.

Enlisting the MediaThe media is an essential

partner in educating the publicabout planting and maintainingtrees and about coping with treedebris after a storm. TheNational Arbor Day Foundationhas an excellent press kitavailable called “StormRecovery—Trees.” It can beordered or downloaded fromtheir Web site [see Resources].

Whenever a tree program isbeing developed or implemented,it’s wise to include represen-tatives from the media in theplanning stages.

Training the WorkersProfessional and technical

training for those who willactually do the tree mitigation isavailable from a variety ofsources. See Resources, p. 23,for contact information abouttraining opportunities.

Auburn is mitigating the urban forest by promoting proper planting techniques through its “2000 in 2000” tree-planting program.

Trees add immeasurably to the City ofEufaula’s character.

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Planning AheadHazard mitigation plans that

successfully address urban treeissues will promote ongoingurban forestry programs at thelocal level. Communities thatsupport a sustained urbanforestry program can greatlyreduce the impact of any futurestorm or natural disaster. Aregular, well-organized urbanforestry program will include thefollowing activities:

• Plant trees appropriate forthe space and site. When treesmature, they must not be nearwires, too close to a building, orin spots where they will be indanger of blowing over, such ason steep sites.

• Avoid planting trees withweak structures.

• Promote construction anddevelopment activities that avoidor minimize root damage.

• Regularly inspect andassess trees.

• Prune trees to promotegood structure and health.

• Keep trees healthy andvigorous through propermaintenance.

• Protect trees from soildisturbance and compaction.

Educating city workers can make or breakyour urban forest management program.Information on training is available fromthe National Arbor Day Foundation,National Arborist Association, andInternational Society of Arboriculture.

Alabama Forestry Commission and countyCooperative Extension System officeshave free educational materials available.See Resources, p. 23.

What to Include inPublic ServiceAnnouncementsDevelop or obtain publicservice announcements thatcan be easily modified anddistributed before, during, andafter a natural disaster. Topicsto include:

•chain saw safety

•safety hazards when clearingdebris

•debris disposal options

•equitable vendor prices

•selecting a qualified arboristor tree care professional

•selecting quality nurserystock

•benefits of trees and theadvantage of a healthy andsafe urban forest

•how to identify trees worthsaving

—from Storms Over the UrbanForest, p. 34

After a storm, remove immediate hazardsfirst. Contract with reputable arborists to save trees that might otherwise beremoved and to prevent further damage.

When building or repairing sidewalks, ortrenching for gas or water lines, keeproot damage to a minimum.

Improper care and abuse can make treesmore susceptible to failure.ARCHIVE


• Maintain water channels to prevent downed trees fromclogging drainage.

• Remove trees that have astructural defect that may causethe tree or a portion of the treeto fall on someone or somethingof value. A hazard tree bydefinition has to have a “target”on which it may fall, such aspeople, vehicles, and structures.Old or dead trees that pose nothreat to anything or anyoneshould they fall may be left forwildlife.

• Inform the public, themedia, and community leadersabout the value, benefits, andcare of urban trees. This will

help facilitate public acceptanceof mitigation (especially treetrimming) in “public” areas.

• Inventory publicly ownedtrees and keep records of workdone.

Keeping Track of Urban Trees

Tree inventories provide avaluable tool to any community’semergency response or assessment.A tree inventory is a managementtechnique that documents thestatus of the urban forest. Basicinformation includes species,

stem diameter, location,condition, and maintenanceneeds. Using the tree inventory,urban foresters or governmentofficials can determine actualstorm damage done to the urbanforest. This is the only waydamage can be assessed indollars so that the communitycan apply for reimbursement.Costs to repair the urban forest,including pruning, removal,cabling, and replanting, may be included.

For selected sites, high value or historical areas, a treeinventory computer softwareprogram may be an effectiveway to catalog trees. These areavailable commercially. Consultan urban forester forrecommendations.

Other ways to inventorytrees are using geographicinformation systems, aerialphotography, or a systematicobservation and recordingsystem.

Protect roots from compaction by erecting barriers around or slightly beyond the driplineof trees during construction.

By definition, a hazard tree has to have a“target” that would be damaged if thetree fell. This can be a street, a sidewalk,or even a park bench.

Removing hazard trees can prevent injury to people and damage to vehicles and structures.

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Before the Storm1. Help local governments

set urban forestry managementguidelines, rules, and policiesthrough an organized treeprogram format. This shouldinclude building codes, land-useplans, zoning ordinances, a cityor county tree ordinance, and ahazard tree policy.

2. Inform the public aboutthe tree management programand how they can make theirtrees safer.

3. Help local governmentsobtain professional treeexpertise needed to carry outthe urban forestry program,especially as it relates to treeassessment, protection, care,and planting.

4. Support and promote treecare training opportunities forappropriate communityemployees, service personnel,and the general public.

5. Establish an emergencymanagement plan that includesan urban forestry component.The planning group shouldinclude elected officials, theEMA director, a director ofpublic works, urban foresters,emergency personnel (fire,police), and representatives fromthe media.

Develop a written tree debris removal plan thatestablishes priorities, staging areas,and processing and disposal ofwood debris. Provide an earlywarning system, a chain ofcommand, a reaction plan thatprioritizes cleanup activities, and a list of cooperating bureaus or organizations.

During the StormFollow the established

emergency plan for removal ofhazardous trees. Coordinatework with outside organizationsand volunteers.

In an emergency, extrahands are appreciated but mustbe trained in tree care so thatthey don’t cause further damageto the downed and damagedtrees. Their work must also becarefully coordinated with theestablished response procedure.

The National Guard mayrespond with labor andequipment. However, soldiersadhere to strict chain-of-command, so know whom youmust talk to in their organizationto get a particular job done.

Mitigating for Disaster:The Role of Urban Forestry

Educate construction workers, developers, and city crew members as to your community’s standards of tree protection and care.

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Volunteers also offer to help during emergencies. Eachcommunity response planshould describe the procedure to be followed in utilizing thesevolunteers. Designate avolunteer coordinator who isresponsible for delegating andcoordinating volunteer efforts.Never allow untrained volunteersto do tree work. A municipalitymay establish a training programfor these volunteers. Eachvolunteer should know whomhis or her supervisor will be.Above all, have the procedurereviewed by the municipalattorney before implementing it.

Another source of outsideassistance is other communities.Having a written agreement withother communities to helpduring emergencies can expandyour labor and equipmentresources. A written agreementoutlines procedure and provideschain of command, whicheliminates confusion during the emergency.

One other source of assistanceduring response is professionaltree service companies. Be sureyou contract with licensed

companies who have trainingand skills to deal with immediatehazards. Recommendedstandards for tree servicecompanies are that they belicensed, insured, bonded, andprofessionally qualified.

After the StormAfter the immediate danger

has passed, the urban forestryprogram moves into therecovery phase:

1. Assess the damage.2. Clean up debris and

repair damaged trees. Selectprofessionals, as needed, to helpwith the cleanup. Hire onlyqualified arborists—individualswho have been trained in the art and science of planting,caring for, and maintainingindividual trees.

3. Take advantage of the“teachable moment” to educatethe public about the importanceof a good community treeprogram. Work with the mediato provide news and informationthat the public needs.

4. Create good publicrelations out of a bad situationby demonstrating to the publicthe city’s concern for its citizens.Provide outside pickup of treedebris; make chips available forfree mulch. Assist with removalof hazardous trees [see “Emer-gency Tree Assessment” box].

5. Apply for financialassistance for cleanup andrestoration. Include all relatedcosts (labor, equipment,materials, and replacement trees).

6. Evaluate how well thehazard mitigation plan performedin reducing the damage. Reviseand improve as needed.

After Hurricane Opal in1995, the City of Opelika hauledenough inert debris (mostly treedebris) to fill a football fieldthree stories high. “There’s noway a city can budget for that,”Rachel warns.

Just as volunteers and outside assistance are important to the mitigationphase, they can help during a disaster.While outside help is appreciated duringemergencies, it must be carefullycoordinated.

Emergency TreeAssessment DuringDisaster Response:Priorities*Trees down, trapping injuredpeople

*Trees down, blocking arterialstreets

*Trees down and blockingexits from residences

*Trees split and in danger offalling and causing injury

*Trees fallen and at rest onhomes or other buildings

*Trees fallen and at rest onvehicles

“It’s after the stormthat we evaluate and mitigate for thefuture—whileprotecting ourtrees.”

Rachel Buice City Horticulturist, Opelika

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Record Keeping DuringDebris Removal• Track employee time,equipment and servicecontract costs, purchasedsupplies and equipment, and tree assessment reports.

• Take photos of damagedtrees and property.

• Record tree work:

-Location of trees serviced

-Size and species of trees serviced

-Time required for cleanup

-Corrective action taken

-Description of property damage

-Instructions for follow-up work to a site


Regreening: Back to theMitigation Phase

Restoring the urban forest to its pre-disaster status takescareful planning and a lot ofhard work. It can also be quiteexpensive, especially when youconsider the price of the tree,the cost of planting, and the cost of maintenance.

Communities that have lostmany trees face a huge financialburden in regreening theirpublic and private spaces. Helpis available from several sources.

• The USDA Forest Servicecan provide technical assistancein the form of publications andinformation sharing andguidance on available grants and funding.

• County and stateCooperative Extension Systemoffices can provide educationalinformation.

• Professional organizationssuch as the National ArboristAssociation, the InternationalSociety of Aboriculture, and theSociety of American Foresterscan provide technical andprogram advice.

• Volunteer organizationssuch as American Forests, theGarden Clubs of America, theNational Arbor Day Foundation,and state beautification councilsand environmental groups can help.

• Environmental educationorganizations such as Legacyprovide grants for educationaltree planting projects.

• The AlabamaNurserymen’s Association canadvise on tree nursery stock.

• Master Gardeners providevolunteer gardening hours to thecommunity. Contact themthrough the county CooperativeExtension System office.

• Local corporations,nurseries, civic clubs, andindividuals might sponsorreplanting efforts.

See Resources, p. 23, forinformation on how to contactthese and other groups.

The Final Word: Public Safety

In any hazard mitigationplan, public safety is, of course,the primary concern. Selmarecognizes the role trees play in their community. They are acity concerned both with theirheritage trees and the safety oftheir citizens.

“Trees are a very valuablepart of Selma’s image. The treesthroughout our neighborhoodsand historic districts have to bemaintained and monitored forstructural defects and damage on a regular basis,” explainsCharles W. Himes, a member of the Selma Tree Commission.

Only about 25 percent ofAlabama’s citizens live incommunities served by urbanforesters. Yet the single mosteffective step communitiescould take in establishing aneffective tree component inhazard mitigation planning isto hire an urban forester.

“I’m responsible in case of a disaster. I want to look ahead and avoid problems. I don’t want people to say,‘Why didn’t you anticipate this problem with the trees?’”

Anita Patterson Director of EMAMontgomery County

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In short, a tree is a valuablecommunity resource like powerand water, which, while costly toprotect, is more costly to lose orreplace. It becomes a liability—something to be removed—when it interrupts services orthreatens life or property.

Every county in Alabama isunder obligation to includehazard mitigation as part of theiremergency preparedness plans.Including urban forestrymanagement in hazardmitigation makes it a better plan.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist• Regularly meet with local and county emergency managers, cityforesters, and/or directors of parks and recreation and city publicworks to discuss disaster readiness.

• Know the community emergency response plan.

• Make sure the disaster response plan includes assessing treedamage, clearing debris, surveying for hazards, and replanting trees.

• Keep on hand a response kit that includes the disaster responseplan, maps, and names and phone numbers of key contact persons.

• Make agreements with neighbor cities to share workers andequipment in a disaster.

• Maintain an agreement with a qualified tree service company toclear debris after storms.

• Identify at least one site selected for tree debris collection,processing, and storage.

• Conduct and keep updated a tree inventory and photographs ofthe most significant trees on public property.

• Make sure your community has an employee or contractor trainedin hazard tree evaluation.

“One key to effective urban forest mitigation as it relates to emergencymanagement is to get the urban forester involved early in the decision-making process to care for and protect trees.”

Rachel Buice City Horticulturist, Opelika

Urban tree residue can be a huge challenge following a storm or natural disaster.

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Is Your Community Prepared for Its Next Emergency?Take this simple questionnaire and analyze emergency preparedness as it relates to urban trees

in your community. Better emergency planning saves lives and property.

Yes No Do Not Know

❏ ❏ ❏ 1. Does your emergency management plan include a goal or objective that addresses urban forestry?

❏ ❏ ❏ 2. Does your city/county emergency manager work frequently with all departments and community groups in performing the planning function? Does he/she include representatives from city forestry departments, public works, elected officials, utility companies, tree commissions, etc.?

❏ ❏ ❏ 3. Does your community’s emergency operations plan reflect potential hazards that face your community due to tree failure?

❏ ❏ ❏ 4. Do urban forestry-related agreements exist between your community and other communities and/or other units of government for assistance in emergencies?

❏ ❏ ❏ 5. If a disaster occurs in your community, do officials and emergency management personnel coordinate the response, including hazard tree response, out of a designated city/county emergency operations center?

❏ ❏ ❏ 6. Do you know how to include requests for reimbursements for tree damage in your community’s request for emergency disaster aid?

❏ ❏ ❏ 7. Do you know your community’s resources to mitigate or reduce disaster or damage due to trees?

❏ ❏ ❏ 8. Is there in place in your community a plan to educate the public about appropriate disaster response, including tree management and cleanup?

❏ ❏ ❏ 9. Does your hazard mitigation team have an urban forestry representative?

Evaluating Your Response“No” means there is a deficiency in your current emergency management plan.“Yes” means that your community is capable of providing effective disaster management services.“I don’t know” could signal a potential problem or a lack of communication.If you checked many “no” or “I don’t know” answers, you and your staff need to conduct a more

detailed review of your local emergency management plan and expand it to include larger representationfrom related/supporting departments and agencies.

Based on a questionnaire prepared by the Alabama Emergency Management AgencyARCHIVE


Urban Forestry MitigationChecklist: What theCommunity Can Do

1. Getting StartedIf your community has no

urban forestry managementprogram, then start one.

• Determine thecommunity’s need for an urbanforestry management program.Consider all the values of acommunity tree program—economic, environmental, andquality of life benefits— inaddition to hazard mitigation.

• Solicit, recruit, and solidifycommunity support. Securepolitical, governmental, privatesector, and public opinion andawareness for the program.

• Establish a legalframework and foundation. Passa municipal tree ordinance thatcreates a tree board and/or cityforestry department.

• Strive toward acomprehensive program.Expanded community urbanforestry management programsare involved in planning, treeplanting, tree maintenance, treeremoval, urban wood wasteutilization, and education.

• Build program coordinationand cooperation. Consolidatemunicipal services wherepractical, and provide interactionbetween other departments andoutside agencies.

2. BuildingOnce there is an urban

forestry management program in place, develop programcapacity.

• Build a strong supportbase. Strengthen and maximizeprogram funding, in-kindservices, and public approval.

• Invest in employeeeducation. Allow and provideopportunities for worker trainingthrough workshops, seminars,certification programs, professionalmemberships, and classwork.

• Initiate or update thecommunity tree programmanagement plan. Developshort- and long-term plans fortree planting, tree maintenance,tree assessments and inventories,education and training,partnerships, and equipment.

3. Incorporating MitigationElements

A well-balanced urbanforestry management programwill incorporate hazard mitigation.

• Plant tree species that aremore resistant to storm damage.

• Plant trees in places wherethey are less apt to fail or causedamage during a storm.

• Train young trees todevelop stronger structure andform.

• Maintain older trees forhealth, function, and safety.

• Require the use ofprofessional tree care standardson all trees.

• Remove trees or limbs thatpose a certain level of risk tocommunity safety and/orproperty.

• Systematically assess treesfor health, function, and safety.

• Work with and coordinatewith the local emergencymanagement hazard mitigationplanning team.

• Incorporate a communitytree management plan withother local emergencymanagement plans.

• Establish and pre-assignemergency related tasks andresponsibilities to communitytree program personnel.

• Pre-determine employeemanagement work units withpriority routes, actions, andneeds.

• Establish bettercommunications with otheremergency managementagencies for efficient use ofcommunity urban forestrymanagement equipment andpersonnel.

• Pre-arrange or contract for storm-related services with a qualified tree service company.

• Establish a record-keepingsystem that will satisfy FEMArequirements.

• Include storm-relatedtraining for community urbanforestry management personnel.

• Include strategies andmethods to utilize and handleexcess wood waste and debris.

• Develop arrangementswith nearby communities forassistance.

• Identify opportunities forvolunteer assistance.

• Develop informationalmessages for media release tothe public. ARCHIVE


Resources

Funding/Assistance• Alabama Cooperative

Extension System. Provideseducational materials and events;has contacts in each county.Web site: www.aces.edu

• Alabama Forestry Com-mission. Provides educationalmaterials and expertise; hascontacts in each county. Web site: www.forestry.state.al.us

• Alabama Nurserymen’sAssociation, P.O. Box 9, Auburn,AL 36831. E-mail: [email protected] site: www.alna.org

• Alabama Urban ForestryAssociation (AUFA) serves asadvocate, forum, andclearinghouse for urban forestry. Web site: www.aufa.com

• American Forests GlobalRe-Leaf Program, P.O. Box 2000,Washington, D.C. 20013-2000.Web site: www.amfor.org

• Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA).FEMA provides funds to helpcommunities recover from alltypes of hazards. Meticulousrecord keeping is the key toreceiving maximum FEMA funds to clean up debris. Contact FEMA through the local EMA office.Web site: www.FEMA.gov

• Hazard Mitigation GrantProgram (HMGP). Contact localEMA office.

• International Society ofArboriculture, P.O. Box 3129,Champaign, IL 61826-3129 (217)355-9411. Web site:www2.champaign.isa-arbor.com

• Legacy. Legacy is anenvironmental education agency.Legacy, P.O. Box 3813,Montgomery, AL 36109 (334)270-5921 or (800) 240-5115E-mail: [email protected]

• The National Arbor DayFoundation, 100 Arbor Avenue,Nebraska City, NE 68410 (402) 474-5655. Web site: www.arborday.org

• National ArboristAssociation, 3 Perimeter Road,Unit 1, Manchester, NH 03103(800) 733-2622. Web site: www.natlarb.com

• The National Tree Trust.Funds from this source areintended for supportingcommunity tree organizationsand projects. Contact: TheNational Tree Trust, 1120 G St.NW, Suite 770, Washington, D.C.20005 (202) 628-8733 or (800) 846-8733. Web site: nationaltreetrust.org

• National Urban andCommunity Forestry AdvisoryCouncil. This council providesgrants for development of modelmunicipal or volunteer urbanforestry programs that serveunderrepresented, diversepublics. Contact: USDA ForestService, 20628 Diane Drive,Senora, CA 95370. (209)536-9201Web site: www.treelink.org/nucfac

• Natural ResourceConservation Service (formerlySoil Conservation Service) Website: seweb.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/al

• Resource Conservation andDevelopment (RC&D) Programs.Administered through theNatural Resource ConservationService (formerly SoilConservation Service), RC&DCouncils are masters at puttingtogether partnerships. Theysecure grants, donations, andmeet cost-sharing requirementsfor selected projects.

• Rural CommunityAssistance From NationalForests—contact the nearestForest Supervisor’s Office orRegional Office of the USDAForest Service.

• Society of AmericanForesters, 5400 Grosvenor Lane,Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 897-8720. Web site: www.safnet.org

• Society of MunicipalArborists. Promotes andimproves the practice ofprofessional municipalarboriculture. Web site:www.urban-forestry.com

• Urban and CommunityForestry Financial AssistanceProgram. This program fundsprojects that meet primary urbanforestry program needs.

Projects include publiceducation, interpretive facilities,arboretum planning, workshopsand training programs, treeinventories, tree boardestablishments, and seed moneyfor hiring city foresters. Contact:Urban and Community Forestry,Financial Assistance Program,P.O. Box 302550, Montgomery,AL 36130-2550. Web site:www.aces.edu/ucf

• USDA Forest Service(Southern Region). Providesurban forestry information andtechnical assistance. 1720Peachtree Road, NW Suite 850,Atlanta, Ga 30309 (404)347-4177Web site: www.urbanforestrysouth.org

• Local support. The basis of any good tree program islocal support. Federal assistance,state assistance, and specialgrants help boost programs but can’t substitute for including tree programs in local municipal budgets. ARCHIVE


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making our urban forests...making our urban forests safer s torms are a way of life in alabama....

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