Policies

Rules and Regulations

Visitors must follow these rules:

  • No alcohol
  • No smoking
  • No dangerous weapons or firearms
  • No littering
  • No graffiti
  • No hammocks, slacklines, etc.
  • No bikes, ATVs, cars, horses, etc. on grounds or trails
  • Do not climb trees
  • Park only in designated areas
  • People and pets must stay on trails

All laws, ordinances, and University policies apply on this property. Violators may be asked to leave, trespassed, and/or prosecuted.

Pet Policy

Please be mindful that the Arboretum is a botanical institution and nature preserve, not a dog park.

Our first priority is the protection of plants and wildlife. Most botanical gardens and arboreta do not allow pets due to the damage they can cause. You can keep the Arboretum pet-friendly by following the laws and policies below.

Tuscaloosa municipal code and university policy require all dogs to be leashed and for owners to clean up their waste. Please keep dogs on trails and do not allow them to dig, chase wildlife, or urinate on plants.

If you see an unleashed dog please report it to UA Facilities Maintenance by calling the Customer Service Center at (205) 348-6001. Tuscaloosa Animal Control can be reached at (205) 248-5800.

For emergency assistance, please contact UAPD at (205) 348-5454. Dangerous animals or individuals that refuse to comply should be reported to UAPD.

Violators of this policy will be asked to leave and may be ticketed. Repeat offenders may be barred from the Arboretum.

Photography Policy

Portrait sessions conducted by professional photographers require a reservation. 

All photographers must abide by University and Arboretum polices or they will be asked to leave. Repeat offenders may be barred from the premises.

Reservations are not required for nature photography or amateur photography. If you are being paid to take photographs, want to make sure a particular location is available, or want to set up props, please make a reservation. If you are in doubt, please make a reservation. Fees are kept low and can be waived for certain groups.

Please see our reservation policy for more information. If you are interested in an annual pass at a reduced rate, please contact us at ua.arboretum@ua.edu.

Picking and Collecting Policy

Collection of flowers, leaves, fruit, animals, etc. requires the permission of the Director.

The Arboretum is a protected nature preserve. All items, living and non-living, are the property of The University of Alabama. Anyone in violation of this policy may be asked to leave and/or be prosecuted. You can be held liable for the destruction caused by pets or children in your care.

Certain activities are allowed as marked or advised by Arboretum staff. Please contact us at ua.arboretum@ua.edu for more information.

Reservation Policy

The Arboretum is available for events! Learn more about our reservation policies and how to submit a reservation requestion.