Tree City USA
Tree City USA recognizes Rhode Island cities and towns for sustained public tree care, local governance, investment, and Arbor Day activities that support the management of community forests.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (Certification, recertification, and Growth Award)
Funding Amounts: Recognition program; communities must document at least $2 per capita in annual tree care expenditures
Summary: Tree City USA recognizes cities and towns that sustain public tree care through local governance, investment, and Arbor Day activities.
Key Information: Communities must meet all four Tree City USA standards each year.
Description
Tree City USA is an annual national recognition program of the Arbor Day Foundation. It gives cities and towns a framework for managing community forests and recognizes their commitment to public trees. The program is open to communities of any size and centers on four standards: responsibility for public trees, a tree care ordinance, annual tree care expenditures, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
In Rhode Island, the Department of Environmental Management’s Urban and Community Forestry Program assists applicants, reviews and approves applications, and sends successful applications to the Arbor Day Foundation for final review. It also distributes recognition materials and, by invitation, can present awards at Arbor Day events.
