Would you like to help your city build a stronger community, improve community pride, boost local property values, cut energy consumption, and increase sustainability efforts?
If so, then Tree City USA may be the right program for you and your city.
Explore Tree City USA's History
Becoming a Tree City USA city has many benefits, economically, socially, and environmentally!
We can help you get started with the Tree City USA process today. No community can be excluded due to population, and they must meet the standards as established by The Arbor Day Foundation™.
See the full list of Tree City USA cities here.
Four essential standards must be met to achieve Tree City USA recognition:
1.) Have a tree board or department
2.) Implement a tree care ordinance
3.) Annual budget of $2 per capita on community tree care & planting
4.) The best one yet, host an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation
There are many benefits to becoming a Tree City USA city. Aside from the beauty the trees bring, being a Tree City USA city makes your community eligible for many federal and state grants, crime rates are proven to be significantly lower, and businesses flourish in Tree City USA communities.
See the Impact → Oak Forest, Illinois
Rich Rinchich, director of Public Works for Oak Forest, knew his community was facing a huge setback from sudden urban deforestation caused by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The invasive beetle destroyed a total of 1,777 trees that had to be removed. Rich knew he had the funds for removal but needed aid for replanting. He found out that funding was available through the U.S. Forest Service, made possible by The Morton Arboretum & the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, to help communities impacted by the EAB restore their urban canopies.
The community was able to replant a total of 838 new trees, diversifying with 18 different tree species.
"When we got the grant, it was like a shot of espresso after being up for 30 hours! It took our hope from a dream to an 'Oh my gosh, we can actually do this!' I had one of the residents come up to me and thank me for her tree and give me a hug." - Rich Rinchich
This brought the community a much-needed message of hope.
If you are interested in starting the process of making your city a Tree City USA, please let us know, and we will be glad to start the process with you.
Other Resources:
Arbor Day Foundation™ | Tree City USA City
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