Urban areas in many countries of the world in both developed and developing nations have today realized the relevance of achieving effective vegetation cover towards improving the built environment. This paper focuses on one of the urban areas in northern Nigeria located at the fringes of the Sahara desert. Data for the study were generated through field visits to the different areas and interview with the relevant officials. The results identified seven major forms of vegetation in the urban area many of which are not in good condition. This area due to some factors hindering achieving effective vegetation cover in the urban area. These factors include high demand for fuel wood, poorly enforced laws, the semi-arid climate of Katsina, uncontrolled urbanization, lack of awareness and misguided government action. It therefore recommended adequate measures should be adopted towards achieving effective vegetation cover in the urban area.