City of Columbia’s Reforestation Program

Street trees offer many benefits to Columbia, such as lowered temperatures, cleaner air, and habitat for wildlife. Our urban forest consists of approximately 60,000 trees, many of which were planted over 100 years ago. As with any living organism, there comes a time when old age leads to poor health. Older trees can develop rot, cavities, or poor structure, which ultimately require their removal for the safety of city residents. In addition to old age, natural disasters cause trees to fall or become damaged beyond repair. Residents can help the city stay informed on the health of individual trees by requesting inspections.

What is a street tree? Any tree that lies within the city’s Right-of-Way is owned and maintained by the city. Every street in Columbia has a defined area beyond the edge of the pavement designated as the “right-of-way”. This is typically the area between the street and sidewalk, but streets with no sidewalk can be more difficult to determine. If you are unsure if a tree is in the right-of-way, city staff can determine that boundary for you.

To request an inspection of a street tree or determine the right-of-way boundary, call (803) 545-3860 or email Forestry@columbiasc.gov. One of the city’s ISA Certified Arborists will determine ownership of the tree and inspect the tree for any hazards.

The Forestry & Beautification Division is working to combat tree losses with their Reforestation Program. Each year, the city plants more than 500 trees along the streets of Columbia, with the goal of replacing removed trees. Homeowners are encouraged to engage in this process by reviewing the city’s Recommended Trees for Reforestation and offering any preferences for their property. In recent years, the program has shifted to almost exclusively native trees, with a few exceptions for ornamental trees.

The city is seeking new planting locations in addition to replacements! If you have space for a street tree, reach out to the Forestry & Beautification Division’s Reforestation Program Coordinator at (803) 545-3863 or Forestry@columbiasc.gov.

For more information, visit the Forestry & Beautification website.