Agencies | Online Services | Policies
graphic

Home
Manage Your Forest
Protect Your Forest
Help Your Community
Rural Fire Protection
Kids, Teachers and Everyone
Site Map
Quick Links
Graphic
Community Forestry
 
Tree City USA

Tree City USA began as a 1976 Bicentennial program through the National Arbor Day Foundation and was co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. The National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors are now cosponsors as well.

Benefits of Tree City USA

The Tree City USA designation gives a city the following benefits:
bullet Encourages tree care and planting programs.
bullet Citizens become more involved in the planting and care of community trees.
bullet Applying for Tree City USA initiates the adoption of a tree ordinance to advance tree stewardship.
bullet Assures that someone is in charge of community trees.
bullet Fosters adequate funding of tree care programs.
bullet Enhances livable communities.
bullet Can help attract new businesses.
bullet Helps city officials understand the importance of their role in tree conservation.
bullet Provides opportunities for publicity and education about tree care.
bullet Helps place trees on par with other city services and benefits.
bullet Supports the efforts of individuals interested in the welfare of trees.
bullet Keeps alive the spirit of Arbor Day and introduces children to trees.
bullet Stimulates both the development and improvement of community forestry.
bullet Can win points in grant application processes.

Qualifying For A Tree City USA Award/Designation

To qualify for the designation Tree City USA, a city must meet four standards.
1. A forester, city department, or tree board must be designated by ordinance to be responsible for community tree care.
2. A community must have a tree care ordinance in effect.
3. The community must have an active urban forestry program in place and supported by an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
4. The city must proclaim and observe Arbor Day.

Becoming a Tree City USA

The following suggestion will guide your community toward the goal of becoming a Tree City USA.
1. Develop an Ad Hoc Committee
Potential Members
bullet City council member
bullet Tree maintenance supervisor
bullet Forester
bullet Local business owner
bullet Legal council
bullet Chamber of Commerce representative
bullet Educator
bullet Landscape contractor
bullet Garden club representative
bullet Utility company employee
2. Develop a Tree Ordinance
A tree ordinance must designate a tree board or department and give them the responsibility for writing and implementing the annual community forestry work plan.  The ordinance should determine public tree-care policies for planting, maintenance, and removals.
3. Help Pass the Ordinance
bullet Write news articles for the local paper the let everyone know the benefits of becoming a Tree City, what the tree ordinance does, and some of the general issues regarding urban forestry.
bullet Give talks at local clubs and organizations.
4. Present Ordinance to Mayor/Council
Be prepared to answer questions about Tree City USA and the proposed tree ordinance.

Tree City USA Application

The designation Tree City USA must be renewed each year. The State Forester in each state is responsible for the program. Each current Tree City or a city applying for the Tree City designation for the first time must submit the following:
1. A Completed Application including:
bullet Potential members
bullet The tree ordinance.
bullet Meeting dates of tree commission.
bullet A list of tree commission members.
bullet An annual work plan.
bullet The annual budget.
bullet Any supportive letters.
bullet Photographs.
2. Arbor Day Procamation
3. Arbor Day Ceremony
4. Arbor Day News Articles or Program of Activities

Responsibilities of a Tree Committee
1. Set up operating procedures including how officers elected, meeting times and dates.
2. Focus on meeting the four Tree City USA standards:
bullet Proclaim Arbor Day
bullet Celebrate Arbor Day
bullet Annual work plan
bullet Funding
3. Promote tree stewardship through:
bullet Educational programs
bullet Brochures
bullet Tree planting projects
bullet Tree workshops
bullet News releases
4. Assist city officials

Related Links

www.arborday.org
rule

| Page 1 | Page 2 |

| Home | Manage Your Forest | Protect Your Forest |
| Community Forestry | Rural Fire Protection | 
| Kids, Teachers & Everyone | Site Map |