City of Columbus

Urban Forestry Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Forestry section is solely and legally responsible for all public trees in Columbus that grow along streets, in public parks and on all city properties. The Forestry section has knowledgeable and skilled staff with industry-recognized qualifications and certifications, including International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists, ISA Certified Tree Workers and staff who are Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Our Forestry staff plants trees, prunes trees, removes hazardous trees and grinds stumps on public properties. Forestry crews work on Columbus’ streets, inspecting public trees and completing work orders. Forestry staff are on call 24 hours a day to respond to tree-related emergencies. Forestry staff also review and comment on development plans when there are potential impacts to trees. 

The Forestry Section operates a 45-acre tree nursery. The nursery meets the needs of the City’s tree planting program by providing diverse bare root and container grown tree species that are not available at local commercial nurseries. Nursery staff are vital to Forestry operations, inspecting and caring for young trees in addition to on-site nursery activities. In addition to trees grown at the nursery, Forestry staff purchase and plant trees through professional contracts.

Report Storm Damage/ Emergencies Do you have recent damage from fallen branches or trees from city property? If so, call 614-645-3111 or click the "311" link below. Once on the site, choose the "City Tree Needs Maintenance" option provided. (An account must be created to report storm damage.)   - 311

Do you have a non-life threatening emergency due to trees which have fallen on city property? If this occurs after Forestry’s business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., excluding holidays, call the Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545.