How Data is Helping Protect Campus Trees

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has become a national model for urban forestry, earning Tree Campus USA honors for 11 consecutive years and the Tree Campus Healthcare designation for the past six. These recognitions from the National Arbor Day Foundation reflect UAB’s commitment to planting and preserving more than 4,400 trees across its urban campus while actively engaging students and staff in environmental stewardship. In 2022, students from an interdisciplinary public health course helped update the university’s tree inventory, cataloging nearly 70 percent of its diverse tree population.

In 2024, UAB adopted Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to enhance its tree management practices. As Shannon Thomason reports, the GIS platform — spearheaded by UAB’s Senior Arborist Scott Thompson — tracks species, age, size, health, treatments, and even photos of each tree. With over 2,500 trees now documented, the system allows UAB to monitor tree health over time and assess the environmental and economic benefits of its campus canopy. The university has also begun identifying and mapping notable trees, such as heritage and memorial trees, to preserve their cultural significance.

UAB’s efforts are guided by its broader sustainability goals, which balance the demands of ongoing campus development with environmental responsibility. When trees must be removed for construction, they are either replaced with similar plantings or valued and compensated through the Tree Replacement Fund. In a region where shade is vital, UAB’s trees help reduce temperatures, improve air quality, and control erosion. Through the integration of advanced technology, educational engagement, and long-term planning, UAB is setting an example for how universities can become greener while growing smarter.