Growing Together
Tree City USA Roots Run Deep
Explore the key milestones that shaped the nation's most iconic community forestry recognition program.
1976
The Tree City USA recognition program was founded through a partnership with U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, with a goal to help communities grow stronger and more resilient. That first year, 42 communities were recognized.
1978
The Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act marked a turning point for urban forestry, recognizing the vital role trees play in the health, wellbeing, and strength of our communities. For the first time, the U.S. government committed federal funding to planting and caring for urban trees nationwide.
1988
Tree City USA Bulletins, a bimonthly publication, was introduced to provide urban foresters with practical information, like writing a municipal tree ordinance and resolving tree/sidewalk conflicts. It quickly became a popular and powerful resource for those planting and caring for trees in their communities.
John Denver released “Plant a Tree” song and PSA, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. It helped bring new levels of national awareness to the Tree City USA program and the importance of community trees.
1991
Tree City USA introduced the Growth Awards to recognize program communities that go above and beyond in tree care and community engagement. The award honors major achievements and milestones across five categories.
1993
For the first time, Tree City USA could proudly place a pushpin in every state and Washington D.C. on our nation’s map. The program had truly become nationwide.
2006
A new software suite, i-Tree, launched in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. It enabled foresters in urban and rural areas to quantify the environmental and economic benefits of urban trees and forests.
2018
Taking root from Tree City USA, Tree Cities of the World was introduced to recognize cities across that globe that prioritize urban tree planting and care. A partnership between Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the program continues to inspire greener, more livable cities worldwide.
2024
Another major milestone is reached as 3,587 cities were recognized as Tree Cities across the nation. Each year, more cities join the ranks, creating healthier environments and stronger connections within their communities.
2026
Tree City USA celebrates 50 years of urban forestry and greener cities. The Foundation launches the Tree Care Ordinance Assistant to help communities of all sizes create and strengthen tree protection ordinances, delivering clear language, best practices, and guidance for effective, enforceable policies.
Building The Nation’s Canopy
What began as a framework for communities to establish their commitment to urban forestry has grown into a nationwide movement that celebrates the value of community trees in everyday life. Today, the Tree City USA program continues to help cities and towns across the country create stronger, greener, and more vibrant places to live, work, and play. We've seen it firsthand: communities become more connected and resilient when they invest in community trees and uphold the four standards of Tree City USA.
Impact in 2025
Each year, the impact of Tree City USA communities grows. In 2025 alone, you can see what’s possible when people come together to transform their communities through trees. If this is today's progress, imagine the next 50 years.
3,636
Tree City Communities
49%
of nation living in a Tree City USA
1.1M+
Volunteer hours
$1.9B+
Total invested in urban forestry management
Tree City USA Through the Years
Styles change. Decades pass. But the impact of community tree planting remains a constant. Take a look at the past and present:
Apply for recognition
Explore the four foundational standards that set Tree City USA communities apart and start the process of applying for recognition here.
