Tree City USA: Foundation for Better Tree Management

He reports that the response to his request was, “We are a Tree City USA; we are proud of the designation, and we intend to keep it.” The vote was unanimous in favor of the forestry’s request.

This and other testimonials received regularly by the Arbor Day Foundation provide a glimpse into the benefits of the Tree City USA program. This flagship program of the Foundation and its partners was created in 1976 as a way to recognize cities, towns, military bases, and urbanized counties that are taking steps toward effective management of their trees. By establishing four basic standards that must be met to become a Tree City USA, the goal was — and is — to provide a framework that leads to systematic, continuous tree planting and care.

The result of this innovative and positive approach is now felt in every state in the nation. Thousands of communities form the Tree City USA network. In some cases, there are tangible budget-related results, such as in Waukesha. In others, it may be solely a source of pride — but it is that civic pride that often attracts new businesses and helps residents appreciate and enjoy their living environment. Tree City USA is also the kind of educational program that leads to better care of trees and a safer urban or community forest.