Requirements

TREE CITY USA, a National Arbor Day Foundation program,
recognizes U.S. towns and cities
which develop comprehensive urban forestry programs.

Begun in 1976 as a Bicentennial project, co-sponsors have grown to include the National Association of State Foresters, the USDA-Forest Service, The National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

To become a Tree City USA, a community must incorporate the following four standards:

1. Tree Board or Department
2. Community Tree Ordinance
3. Comprehensive Community Forestry Program
4. Arbor Day Observance & Proclamation

Then, communities must continue to meet all criteria and apply for Tree City USA recertification annually.

Tree City USA has gained popularity around the country for a number of reasons.

1. A growing appreciation of the importance of trees to the environmental quality and economic vitality of our cities
2. Citizens and elected officials are realizing that a good tree-care program is a wise investment in the future of their community and
3. A town of any size can participate.

By making the public more aware of community tree planting and care activities, citizens become more personally interested in tree planting and in the care of city trees in parks and along streets.