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Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan Update for September 2024

Thank you for all of your support for the Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP)! Your support, and the support of City and community leaders, volunteers and organizations, helped us achieve progress toward the UFMP's goals. Here are some highlights from the last three months:

• Public Tree Code Resources Online: As of Aug. 1, the public tree code is now in effect! This summer, the Forestry section led 19 training sessions with stakeholders, training 400 people across City departments, private utilities, the development community and the tree care industry. Check out the resources online, including a Public Tree Plan template, updated standard notes and details and the Forestry permit. You can also check out the new public tree inventory map to see what trees are in your neighborhood. 
• When You Need a Forestry Permit: If you are a Columbus resident, do you know when you need a Forestry permit?  A Forestry permit is needed whenever you work on or within the Critical Root Zone of a public tree. For example, if you want to prune or remove a street tree in front of your house or plant a tree in the tree lawn. You could also have a construction project, like a water or sewer line repair, that could damage a street tree. The Forestry section needs to know about any potential impacts to public trees so fill out a quick permit before doing any work in the tree lawn! (The tree lawn is the grassy area between the road and the sidewalk.) There is no application fee.
• Tree Summit held at Columbus ArborFest: Columbus ArborFest was held at Whetstone Park, and it included the first Tree Summit, hosted by Green Columbus! Approximately 2,000 people attended Columbus ArborFest. Forestry staff demonstrated climbing, equipment operation and tree planting to attendees, who also enjoyed a craft with branches pruned from Columbus trees.

• Plant a Tree This Fall: Did you know fall is a great time to plant a tree? Our Forestry staff typically begin planting street trees in mid-October so now is the time to start thinking about planting your own tree! Before you start digging, call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service to have underground utilities (i.e., gas, electric) marked. Call 811 or 800-362-2764 between 48 hours and 10 days before you plan to dig. Watch some quick and helpful tips from our Forestry section about planting your own tree!
• Get a Free Tree to Plant: Are you interested in planting more trees in your yard? Green Columbus is offering a free tree giveaway! You can reserve a free tree to pick up at their Linden tree nursery on Sept. 29, Dodge Community Center on Oct. 6 or Barack Community Center on Oct. 13. Sign up today while supplies last, and help improve Columbus’ tree canopy!
• Check out recent media interviews related to the Urban Forestry Master Plan:
  • Read “Urban Forestry Master Plan Moves Forward Under New City Forester” article by Columbus Underground
  • Watch “City Chat: Ohio’s First Comprehensive Tree Canopy Study” by the City of Columbus, featuring City Forester Rosalie Hendon
  • Read “Whetstone Park to Host City’s First ArborFest, Tree Summit” article by Columbus Underground
  • Read “Forestry Progress Presented at ArborFest Tree Summit” article by Columbus Underground

Learn more about the UFMP at ColumbusUFMP.org. 

Thank you for your support and commitment to preserving and increasing the tree canopy in Columbus!