Birmingham, AL · Jefferson County
Tree removal in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham's worst tree damage comes from tornadoes. The April 27, 2011 outbreak tore through Pratt City and surrounding neighborhoods. Steep ridge lots around Red Mountain and Shades Mountain make access and rigging harder. For trees in the street right-of-way, contact the city's Horticulture and Urban Forestry Division; a 2025 ordinance gave the Tree Commission authority and a permit process for right-of-way trees.
Many of Birmingham's established neighborhoods, like Highland Park, Forest Park and Crestwood, are on slopes with large water oaks, white oaks, tulip poplars and pines above homes. On steep lots, trees are often climbed and rigged downhill, with wood lowered by rope rather than dropped.
Water oaks are among the city's most common large trees and among the most failure-prone as they age. They develop internal decay that often isn't visible until a storm breaks them. Loblolly pines and southern pine beetle add another layer of risk in hot, dry summers.
Reviewed and updated
Tornadoes, ridges and aging water oaks
Tornadoes
The April 2011 outbreak devastated Pratt City; spring and late-fall outbreaks recur.
Steep ridge lots
Slopes limit equipment access and complicate rigging.
Aging water oaks
Internal decay leads to sudden limb and trunk failures.
City right-of-way trees
A contracted arborist inspects public trees; a 2025 ordinance added a removal permit process.
Trees above the house on Birmingham slopes
On ridge lots, the trees that matter most are often uphill of the house. A tree above a home will fall downhill when it fails, and roots exposed by a cut bank, driveway or retaining wall are often weaker than they look.
Signs worth an inspection: soil eroding from the uphill roots, a new lean downslope, cracks in a retaining wall near the trunk, or mushrooms at the base of an older water oak.
Hillside lots with walls and steep drives
Hillside lots with retaining walls and steep driveways; many houses sit below large trees on the slope above, which affects how trees are taken down.
Alabama Power handles trees on its lines. On steep drives, equipment may not be able to reach the tree at all, which makes climbing and rope work the default.
Ridge-top pines and hollow-bottom water oaks
- Water oak
- Very common; decays with age
- Loblolly pine
- Tall; wind and beetle risk
- Tulip poplar
- Very tall on slopes; limb drop
- White oak
- Long-lived, valuable
- Bradford pear
- Splits in storms
Birmingham's right-of-way trees and the 2025 ordinance
- Trees in Birmingham's street rights-of-way and on city property are managed by the Horticulture and Urban Forestry Division; residents report sick, damaged or dead public trees to the city for inspection by a contracted certified arborist.
- An ordinance passed in October 2025 gave the city Tree Commission regulatory authority over right-of-way and city-property trees, including a removal permit process and fines for unlawful removal.
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.
Tulip poplars and pines on the ridges
- Tulip poplars grow very tall and straight and can shed large limbs in storms, even when healthy.
- Loblolly pines on dry ridge soils are vulnerable to bark beetles after drought.
- Both catch wind high in the crown; tall trees left alone after neighbors were cleared are the most exposed.
Birmingham services on steep lots
Tornado and straight-line wind cleanup.
Failing water oaks and pines above houses.
Uphill trees and older water oaks.
Trees on houses after spring storms.
Only where a machine can reach; slope stumps are often left.
Birmingham questions
My water oak looks healthy. Should I worry?
Water oaks often decay internally as they age, especially after 50 years or with past root damage. Mushrooms at the base, cavities or dead upper limbs are warning signs. A certified arborist can test for hidden decay.
How are trees removed on steep Birmingham lots?
Usually by climbing and rigging, lowering pieces downhill by rope. Cranes can be used from the street when there's room. Expect it to take longer than a flat-lot job.
Who handles a dead tree in the street right-of-way in Birmingham?
Report it to the city's Department of Public Works. A contracted certified arborist inspects public trees and decides on pruning or removal. Under the 2025 ordinance, removing a right-of-way tree yourself requires a permit.
When is tornado season in Birmingham?
Mainly March through May, with a second peak in November and December. Having large trees near the house checked over the winter is the best preparation.
Calls are routed to independent local tree-service providers. How calling works
More local guides
Need tree help in Birmingham?
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.