Andy Hillman has gained many friends and supporters because of his enthusiasm and love of Ithaca's urban forest. He is noted for maintaining the health of the city's tree stock and for working diligently to add to the number of trees gracing streets throughout the city's neighborhoods, helping numerous neighborhood groups with beautification projects, working with volunteer Citizen Pruners, planting trees shrubs, and flowers in city parks and other public places. He is also well-noted for staying abreast of current best practices, keeping the city on the cutting edge of urban forestry.