Deforestation and woodland degradation are issues of great concern in Zimbabwe. Debate on these issues has identified a number of causes including expansion of arable land, demand for fuel-wood and construction poles, and urban expansion.The main areas under research has been in rural areas where cutting down of trees for agricultural land is common.This work explores the major causes and effects of deforestation in Epworth an urban,informal settlement near Harare.This research aimed to investigate what influence the local people to engage in deforestation.From the investigation,various policies and legislation has been formulated in order to discourage this human activity.However this research also evaluates the effectiveness of policies put in place to curb deforestation.This work further explores some of the challenges being faced by responsible authorities in curbing deforestation.