The City of Arlington is celebrating its designation as a Tree City USA community for 25 straight years.

The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities that millions of Americans call home.

Arlington is one of more than 3,500 communities nationwide participate in the Tree City USA program. The City, which strives to protect and strengthen its urban tree canopy through strategic initiatives and annual community outreach events, first achieved its Tree City USA designation in 1999.

A 2020 study determined an average of 70.4 trees per acre across sampled Arlington parks and natural areas, with 48 unique tree species identified in the survey. 

“Trees provide so much to Arlington’s character, from creating beautiful neighborhoods and park spaces that bring pride to our community to providing shade that helps our residents and business owners save on energy costs,” said Wendy Pappas, Urban Forestry Land Manager for Arlington Parks and Recreation. “We are proud of our long-time designation as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation and we will continue working with our residents, businesses and developers to protect and grow our urban tree canopy.”

A thriving urban forest offers many advantages, including:

• Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%.
• Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without.
• Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds.
• Homes with trees have higher property values.
• Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health.

Click here to visit the Tree City USA website.