CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (3/19/2025) -The Arbor Day Foundation named
Chattanooga a 2024 TreeCity USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow,
and maintain trees to benefit its community. The Arbor Day Foundation is a
global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and
celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners
has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests
and communities across more than 60 countries since 1972.
The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage
urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local
area for over 40 years. “We all have a role to play in shaping our future
and tree champions like Chattanooga are leading the way," said Michelle
Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. Trees are
critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in
our nation's cities. We are proud Chattanooga is among the Arbor Day
Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive
impact through trees. In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help
mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve
air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are
planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase
property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.
“Chattanooga’s trees are an important part of the character and
infrastructure of our neighborhoods. This designation from Arbor Day
Foundation recognizes the ongoing commitment of the City to protect and
maintain those trees.” -Pete Stewart, City Forester
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards
including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree
ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and
participating in an Arbor Day celebration. The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree
City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association
of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about the
program or how to apply, visit arborday.org. About the Arbor Day Foundation
‘The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant,
nurture, and celebrate trees. ‘They foster a growing community of more than
1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their
bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of
trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical needs with action,
planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this
is only the beginning. ‘The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees.
Learn more at arborday.org.
