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The Forestry and Beautification Department is responsible for maintaining a healthy tree canopy and for installing and maintaining gateways and landscape projects on public property.
The Forestry & Beautification Department works with citizens to help them comply with regulations regarding trees and landscaping on the right-of-way.
Landscape Ordinance - Enforcement of this ordinance is handled by Zoning. For additional information, see the Zoning website by clicking here.
Forestry
Forestry personnel are responsible for maintaining over 46,000 trees located on road right-of-ways throughout the city. The city's tree population is worth over $75 million. Trees located on the road right-of-way are pruned to remove dead limbs, improve structural integrity of the trees, and to provide adequate clearance over streets and sidewalks. Dead and hazardous trees are removed as necessary. The Department employs certified arborists who are responsible for providing technical assistance to prevent damage to city trees when construction or other work must be conducted on the right-of-way. Forestry crews are also responsible for removing sight hazards such as limbs that block street signs, traffic signals and driveways.
Reforestation
Reforestation personnel are responsible for planting trees along street right-of-ways. Trees are planted to replace those which die or have to be removed due to safety hazards. The Department waters newly planted trees during the first two growing seasons after they are planted.
Where there is adequate space for future growth, large maturing shade trees such as oak, blackgum, ginkgo, maple and other species are planted. Where either root or overhead space is limited, smaller ornamental trees are planted. These may include redbud, flowering cherry, holly and other species.
A guide to tree selection, entitled City Trees is available by calling or e-mailing your request.
Right-of-Way Maintenance
The Forestry and Beautification Department cuts and maintains grass in medians and right-of-ways along major roadways throughout the city. The gateway entrances are kept cut and trimmed so that all who enter Columbia realize that we are proud of our City. Throughout the year, over 1,000 miles of right-of-way and more than 130 traffic islands are mowed and edged.
It is the responsibility of owners, occupants and lessees to keep private property free of litter and unsightly plant growth, including curbs, gutters, tree zones or other right-of-way adjacent to private property. Owners and occupants of property must keep weeds, grass and all vegetation cleanly cut and provide adequate sight distance at driveways and intersections.
Horticulture
The members of the horticulture section landscape city properties and right-of-ways to make Columbia a more desirable place to live, work and play. Employees install new projects and perform the essential maintenance on existing plantings. Currently, efforts are focused on gateways, major roadways and high profile locations. A variety of plants including trees, shrubs, perennials and over 42,000 seasonal flowers are used to provide year round interest. These plantings aid in keeping Columbia 's economy thriving by projecting a positive image.
Community Partnerships and Programs
- Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission. A group of dedicated citizens appointed by City Council to develop ideas for projects, assist in their implementation and educate citizens through Arbor Day events, press conferences and educational brochures. Oversees Forever Forest , a foundation that accepts donations from individuals and corporations to support Columbia 's reforestation efforts. Partners with Columbia Green in sponsoring the annual Columbia Choice awards.
- Columbia Green. A non-profit organization that raises money exclusively for the beautification of Columbia . Substantial funding is provided to the Department each year for seasonal color. Columbia Green also aids in installation costs of major projects. Partners with the Tree and Appearance Commission to promote the Columbia Choice awards which recognizes individuals, neighborhoods and firms whose work has significantly enhanced Columbia 's environment, both in design and in overall quality of life.
- Tree City , U.S.A. Because of the efforts of the Department, the City of Columbia has been recognized as a Tree City USA annually since 1979. This award is given to municipalities that have an effective tree-care program as an ongoing process of renewal and improvement. Another requirement of the award is for cities to have a program of planting and care that goes on throughout the years. The prestigious award is given to approximately twenty municipalities in the state each year.
- Arbor Day. The City of Columbia conducts a special tree planting ceremony to commemorate its annual Arbor Day celebration. The ceremony frequently takes place at an elementary school within City limits on the first Friday of December in conjunction with the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission, Columbia Green and other partners.
- Neighborhoods. The department will partner with neighborhood associations to facilitate beautification projects. Neighborhoods must provide materials, typically through donations or grants, and assume responsibility for long term maintenance. The Department will provide technical assistance, and limited assistance with installation.
- Forever Forest . The Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission established The Forever Forest Foundation to give individuals and businesses the opportunity to contribute to the beautification of Columbia , while honoring friends and loved ones. Tax-deductible contributions are acknowledged with a letter and certificate, and funds are used for planting trees and other beautification projects.
Requests for Service
Requests for work relating to trees and shrubs in the road right-of-way should be directed to the Forestry & Beautification Department. A work order will be taken and given to the appropriate supervisor. The supervisor will check the site, and then direct a crew to handle the work if it is the city's responsibility or will inform the citizen if the request cannot be accommodated and why. The department is not responsible for maintaining trees and landscaping on private property.
If tree limbs are very close to or touching power lines, citizens will need to call SCE&G at 799-9000 to make the request. City crews cannot perform this work due to line clearance restrictions.
An encroachment permit is required for installation of landscaping and other permanent improvements on the right-of-way. These permits are issued through the Legal Department.
For more information about our services, please contact the Forestry and Beautification Department at 545-3860 or e-mail us at forestry@columbiasc.net. | 
