The city's urban forester manages the city’s urban forestry care, preservation and health plan to provide the city with a safe, healthy environment for the city's urban forest. Through the provision of parks, open space and protected natural areas, the Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Department protects the rich history of our region by maintaining over 10,000 public trees and streetscape areas that contribute to the beauty and environmental health of our city. The spirit of pride in our community and our desire to preserve an exceptional quality of life in Hot Springs continues through the efforts of the Hot Springs Parks and Recreation Department.
Tree City
The city has been awarded with Tree City USA status since 2000 and the Growth Award since 2001. Tree City USA is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. This award provides direction, technical assistance, public attention and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities in the United States.
Trees as Public Assets
In the City of Hot Springs, we recognize our public trees as valuable assets; we understand that trees have financial, ecological and physiological benefits, which is why we have initiated Ordinance # 4867 making it illegal to prune trees in the city right-of-way without a permit. It is also illegal to top trees in the city right-of-way, and the Urban Forester must approve all removals within the city right-of-way. Tree pruning classes are administered periodically by the urban forester.