Southeast region
Tree removal and tree care in Alabama
Alabama sees both tornadoes and hurricanes. The April 27, 2011 outbreak destroyed trees and neighborhoods from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham, and Gulf hurricanes like Sally (2020) hit Mobile and Baldwin counties. Tall pines and aging water oaks are the most common storm failures. Private-lot removals generally don't need a permit; in Birmingham, trees in city rights-of-way fall under the city and its Tree Commission.
City guides in Alabama
North and central Alabama sit in one of the most active tornado regions in the country, with outbreaks in both spring and late fall. Steep ridges around Birmingham add access problems, and trees on hillsides are prone to uprooting when soil is saturated.
The Gulf Coast is hurricane country, with live oaks, slash pines and palms. Statewide, loblolly pine is everywhere, and southern pine beetle outbreaks can kill groups of pines in a single summer.
Reviewed and updated
Tornadoes, hurricanes and pine beetles in Alabama
Tornadoes
The April 27, 2011 outbreak devastated Tuscaloosa and the Birmingham area.
Hurricanes
Sally (2020) and earlier storms caused heavy tree loss on the Gulf Coast.
Southern pine beetle
Kills pines in groups, especially after drought.
Water oak decay
Short-lived oaks fail in storms.
Steep, rocky slopes
Hillside trees uproot in saturated soil.
Alabama tree rules
- Alabama sets no tree permit rules of its own; Birmingham and other cities regulate trees in the public right-of-way, not those in private yards.
- In Birmingham, the city's Horticulture and Urban Forestry Division manages public trees, and an October 2025 ordinance gave the city Tree Commission regulatory authority over planting, care and removal of trees on city rights-of-way and city property, including a removal permit process.
Sources (checked 2026-10-01)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Pines, water oaks and live oaks in Alabama
- Loblolly pine
- Tall, common; wind and beetle risk
- Water oak
- Decay-prone, frequent failures
- Southern live oak
- Wind-firm on the Gulf Coast
- Hackberry and sweetgum
- Common yard trees
- Bradford pear
- Splits in wind
North Alabama, the Birmingham ridges and the Gulf Coast
North Alabama (Huntsville, the Shoals)
- Main pressures
- Spring and late-fall tornadoes
Central Alabama (Birmingham, Tuscaloosa)
- Main pressures
- Tornadoes, steep ridge lots, aging water oaks
Gulf Coast (Mobile, Baldwin County)
- Main pressures
- Hurricanes, sandy soil, live oaks and pines
Alabama city guides
Birmingham's guide covers tornadoes and steep ridge lots. Mobile and the Gulf Coast face hurricanes and live oaks, and Huntsville in the north sees more ice and late-season tornadoes.
Tornadoes, steep lots and the 2025 right-of-way ordinance.
Alabama's tornado and hurricane seasons
Alabama has two tornado seasons, spring and a secondary peak in November and December, plus hurricane season on the Gulf Coast. Winter is the best time to prune and assess big trees near houses.
- March–May
- Peak tornado season
- Nov–Dec
- Secondary tornado season
- June–November
- Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast
Alabama services by risk
Tornado and hurricane cleanup.
Pines killed by southern pine beetle.
Aging water oaks near houses.
Trees on houses after spring storms.
Alabama tree questions
How do I prepare trees for tornado season in Alabama?
Have large trees near the house checked in winter for dead limbs, decay, cracks and lean. Removing clearly defective trees before spring is far easier than emergency removal afterward.
Why are my pines turning brown in an Alabama summer?
Heat and drought weaken pines, and a weakened or lightning-struck pine is where beetle attacks usually start. If one pine browns from the top down over a few weeks, have the trees around it checked too.
Are water oaks dangerous in Alabama yards?
Older ones often are. Water oaks are fast-growing but relatively short-lived, and they commonly develop heart rot after 40 to 60 years. Mushrooms at the base, cavities and dead upper limbs are signs to get the tree inspected.
What happens to trees after a Gulf hurricane in Mobile or Baldwin County?
Saturated sandy soil lets pines and oaks uproot, while live oaks and palms usually ride it out. Expect a wave of hanging limbs and leaning trees afterward, and be cautious with door-to-door crews asking for payment up front.
Need tree help in Alabama?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.