Alabama’s trees are an essential part of landscapes, from backyard shade trees to the pine forests that anchor rural economies. However, tree health challenges are increasing across the state. Many landowners and homeowners are unsure where to turn for reliable information. To help communities meet these challenges, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is excited to introduce TreeStrong Alabama, a new forest health program.

What Is TreeStrong Alabama?

TreeStrong Alabama is a statewide initiative to help landowners, homeowners, municipalities, and green-industry professionals keep Alabama’s trees healthy and strong. The program brings together research-based information, practical management tools, and on-the-ground support to address the most urgent forest health issues facing the state.

Why Tree Health Matters Now

Tree health is becoming increasingly important as Alabama faces shifting weather patterns, more frequent drought stress, new invasive pests, and continued pressure from development. These factors can weaken trees, making them more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and long-term decline.

Healthy trees are essential for shade, property value, wildlife habitat, the economy, and the overall appearance and function of landscapes. By staying informed and addressing issues early, Alabamians can protect the trees that contribute so much to the state’s natural beauty and outdoor spaces. TreeStrong Alabama provides the guidance needed to protect these vital resources.

Three Goals of TreeStrong Alabama

The three main goals for TreeStrong Alabama are the following:

• Early detection and rapid response. This goal centers on helping communities spot tree pests and diseases early, before they spread and cause costly damage. This includes outreach on high-risk threats, invasive pests and pathogens, and other emerging problems.
• Education and training. Through workshops, webinars, publications, and hands-on demonstrations, TreeStrong Alabama will reach landowners, homeowners, city arborists, foresters, and landscape professionals. Topics covered will include pine and hardwood pest and disease diagnostics and management, best planting and maintenance practices, and urban tree care.
• Community support and capacity building. By building partnerships with municipalities, schools, Extension agents, and the green industry, this program will strengthen local capacities to manage tree health. This provides practical support for those who manage trees across the state and helps them to make informed decisions, risk assessments, and plans for long-term tree resilience.

What TreeStrong Alabama Offers

TreeStrong Alabama will provide the following:

• Seasonal tree-health alerts to keep Alabamians informed about current pest and disease issues.
• Step-by-step guides on identifying and managing common tree problems.
• Training events for homeowners, farmers, landscapers, and forestry professionals.
• Youth outreach activities to build the next generation of forest stewards.
• Collaboration with municipalities to support urban tree health and risk reduction.

Upcoming TreeStrong Alabama Activities

Check the online calendar at aces.edu for specific dates and locations as they are announced.

• March 2026—TreeStrong Trainer Short Course. A professional, two-day training short course, which focuses on immersive learning and building capacity among Extension agents, arborists, municipal staff, forestry consultants, and foresters.
• January–December 2026—TreeStrong Health Watch Webinar Series. A monthly webinar that provides timely insights into what is expected to impact Alabama’s trees, highlighting diagnostic tips and management strategies.
• February–April 2026—TreeStrong Roots to Shoots Workshop. Hands-on, in-person educational sessions that teach participants the basics of forest health, how to identify tree pests and diseases, and how to implement effective management strategies.
• March–May 2026—TreeStrong Woods Work Field Days: Field-based learning events for landowners and forestry professionals that provides practical skills in detecting and managing tree pests, diseases, and other threats.

How to Get Involved

Whether you care for a single backyard tree or manage thousands of acres, TreeStrong Alabama is here to help. Landowners, communities, Extension agents, and partner organizations can stay connected through any of the following:

• Attending upcoming workshops and webinars.
• Following forest health updates provided by Alabama Extension.
• Inviting program organizers to attend community events or trainings.
• Reaching out for specialized support or diagnostics.

For more information, contact Annakay Newell at (334) 466-7182 or ada0037@auburn.edu.