Huntington Urban Forest

What Is the Urban Forest?

Four high school age students planting a tree at an Arbor Day volunteer event.

Huntington’s urban forest includes all trees across public and private land – from parks and streets to backyards and business areas. This living network improves air and water quality, reduces stormwater runoff, boosts property values, supports health and wildlife, and helps cool our city.

The City maintains and cares for trees in public spaces, such as parks. While we also monitor trees for health and public safety in rights-of-way, adjacent property owners are generally responsible for their care and maintenance. Learn more in our Tree Ordinances.

Urban Tree Inventory

Understanding what we have helps us plan for what we need. Huntington’s tree inventory gives a detailed snapshot of the size, diversity, condition, and canopy coverage of our urban forest. This data helps city planners, the Tree Board, and residents make informed decisions.

Interactive Tree Map

Our goal is to follow the 30-20-10 rule for resilience and biodiversity:

  • No more than 30% of the canopy from a single family
  • No more than 20% from a single genus
  • No more than 10% from a single species

This helps protect against pests, disease, and climate challenges.

Tree Board

The Tree Board advises on planting projects, supports community education, and helps shape policies for tree care and sustainability. From reviewing planting plans to promoting Arbor Day and “Oak-tober,” the Tree Board brings together citizens, staff, and experts.

Tree City USA

A group of volunteers on Arbor Day presenting a Tree City USA banner.

We’ve been recognized as a Tree City USA since 1996. This designation honors communities that meet national standards in tree care, education, and engagement.

Planting, Pruning, and Removals

The City provides guidance and oversight for:

Ordinances & Ownership

Tree care responsibilities depend on tree location:

  • Public Trees: Located in parks, public ways, or city property
  • Private Trees: On private property or adjacent rights-of-way (unless otherwise stated)

Not sure who’s responsible? Read the Tree Ordinances for details including:

  • Ownership determination
  • Authorization requirements
  • Maintenance guidelines

Certified Arborists & Resources

Need expert help? Huntington has ISA-certified arborists to assist with care and planning.

Doing it yourself? Explore resources on:

  • Planting techniques
  • Tree pruning best practices
  • Species selection
  • Soil Drainage Percolation Tests (Open as PDF)
  • Soil Health (Open as PDF)

Sidewalk and Stormwater Solutions

Trees and sidewalks sometimes come into conflict as trees grow. Tree roots help trees absorb water and nutrients and keep them stable during strong winds and storms. As roots and trunks grow, they can lift or crack nearby sidewalks.

If work is planned near a tree or its roots in the public right-of-way, contact the City Forester before any work begins.

Two common types of tree and sidewalk conflicts

1: Tree trunk lifting the sidewalk

As a tree grows, the base of its trunk (called the trunk flare) gets wider. If the sidewalk is too close, the growing trunk can push the sidewalk up or out of place.

In most cases, the best solution is to move or reroute the sidewalk to give the tree more room. Because the trunk is causing the problem, pruning roots will not solve it. If the sidewalk cannot be moved, the City Forester and Engineering Inspector will determine whether the tree needs to be removed.

2: Tree roots damaging the sidewalk

Tree roots can also lift or crack sidewalks. This may happen because roots are growing near the surface or because larger roots below the sidewalk continue to expand over time.

In some cases, problem roots can be safely pruned. Other options include moving or narrowing the sidewalk or using different sidewalk materials. Any of these solutions must be approved by the City Forester and Engineering Inspector and must meet City standards.

Root pruning and tree removal

The City will not decide whether to prune roots or remove a tree until the sidewalk replacement project begins and the roots can be inspected.

Get Involved

Whether volunteering on Arbor Day, joining the Tree Board, or planting the right tree in the right place — your involvement helps grow a greener Huntington.

 Volunteer Opportunities