Earning the designation of Tree City USA is more than just an honor. It’s a statement that your community values trees, sustainability, and quality of life. Across the country, more than 3,200 communities—from small towns to major cities—have achieved this recognition through the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Here in North Texas, cities like Dallas, Richardson, Garland, Irving, Colleyville, Wylie, Lewisville, and Lancaster are already proudly recognized as Tree City USA communities. And for good reason: trees improve health, strengthen neighborhoods, and bring economic and environmental benefits that last for generations.

So, what does it take to become a Tree City USA—and why should your community pursue it?

The Four Standards to Become a Tree City USA

The Arbor Day Foundation designed the program so that communities of all sizes can participate. To qualify, a city must meet these four standards:

1. Maintain a Tree Board or Department
   Establish a dedicated group of professionals, volunteers, and city officials to oversee community forestry. This ensures a structured and ongoing focus on tree care.
2. Adopt a Tree Care Ordinance
   Formalize your city’s commitment to responsible tree management with an ordinance that outlines how trees are planted, maintained, and protected.
3. Invest in a Community Forestry Program
   Allocate at least $2 per capita annually to tree planting, pruning, pest management, and canopy care. This funding demonstrates real, measurable investment in urban forestry.
4. Celebrate Arbor Day
   Hold an annual Arbor Day event that brings the community together to plant, learn, and celebrate the value of trees.

Meeting these standards is both practical and achievable. More importantly, they set the foundation for ongoing, systematic management of your community’s urban forest.

The Benefits of Becoming a Tree City USA

Communities that achieve this designation enjoy a wide range of environmental, social, and economic advantages.

• Cleaner, Healthier Air | Trees absorb pollutants and filter particulates from the air, reducing respiratory issues and improving overall public health.
• Beautification and Community Pride | Tree-lined streets and shaded parks enhance property values, boost local business traffic, and create attractive, welcoming spaces that residents are proud to call home.
• Shade and Energy Savings | In the Texas heat, shade trees lower temperatures, reduce the urban “heat island” effect, and cut cooling costs for nearby homes and businesses.
• Stormwater Management | Trees act like natural sponges, absorbing rainfall, reducing runoff, and lowering the risk of flooding and costly infrastructure damage.
• Biodiversity and Habitat Support | A healthy tree canopy provides homes and food for birds, insects, and wildlife, strengthening the local ecosystem.
• Stronger Community Engagement | Tree planting and Arbor Day celebrations bring residents, schools, and businesses together, fostering volunteerism and shared responsibility.
• Increased Funding Opportunities | Communities recognized as Tree City USA often receive priority when applying for grants or state/federal support for urban forestry projects.

Why It Matters for North Texas Communities

North Texas faces unique environmental challenges—intense heat, drought, severe storms, and rapid urban growth. Becoming a Tree City USA is not just about planting more trees, but about building resilient green infrastructure with a strong urban forestry program that improves quality of life for decades.

How to Become a Tree City USA

• Engage Local Leadership – Present the idea to your city council and highlight the long-term economic and health benefits.
• Form a Tree Board – Bring together city staff, arborists, educators, and volunteers to guide the process.
• Draft or Update a Tree Ordinance – Make sure your city’s tree policies protect canopy health and growth.
• Allocate Budget – Dedicate at least $2 per capita toward community forestry activities.
• Plan an Arbor Day Celebration – Use the event to plant trees, raise awareness, and bring the community together.

A Greener Tomorrow

Becoming a Tree City USA signals to residents, businesses, and visitors that your community values trees, sustainability, and invests in a greener future. From healthier air and cooler streets to stronger civic pride and financial opportunities, the benefits far outweigh the effort required to get certified.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we’re passionate about helping communities across Dallas-Fort Worth grow and care for their urban forests. If your city or neighborhood is interested in pursuing Tree City USA recognition, our Certified Arborists can provide guidance, expertise, and support you in getting started. Together, we can plant the roots of a stronger, healthier, and greener North Texas.