Arlington Continues History Of Forestry And Tree Care

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arbor Day Foundation has named the town a 2025 Tree City USA, a recognition given to municipalities for its commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship.

Arlington also received a Growth Award for demonstrating continued progress in tree care and community engagement efforts. This marks the town’s 23rd year earning Tree City USA recognition and its seventh year receiving a Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation.

The national nonprofit organization honors municipalities that demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining and expanding their urban tree canopy. Communities recognized through the Tree City USA program must meet several standards, including maintaining a tree board or department, adopting a community tree ordinance, investing in urban forestry, and participating in Arbor Day celebrations.

According to town officials, Arlington spends approximately $9.58 per capita on tree management, well above the program’s minimum requirement of $2 per resident.

“Trees are a vital community asset and managing our tree canopy is an important priority,” Town Manager Jim Feeney said. Feeney credited the work of Arlington’s Public Works Tree Division, Tree Committee, Tree Warden and community volunteers for helping maintain the town’s urban forest.

The Arbor Day Foundation highlighted the environmental and public health benefits trees provide in cities and neighborhoods, including reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality and helping mitigate the urban heat island effect. Trees can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values and lower residential energy costs when strategically planted.

“By recognizing the role of trees as critical infrastructure, Arlington is helping shape a healthier and more resilient future,” Arbor Day Foundation Vice President of Programs Michelle Saulnier said. “We’re proud Arlington is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities committed to creating positive impact through trees.”

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped plant more than 500 million trees in communities and forests in dozens of countries since it was founded in 1972. The organization partners with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service to administer the Tree City USA program.

See Also:

Police Looking For Car Thief Who Fled Scene Of Arlington Crash In Another Vehicle

Arlington Mystic River Path And Minuteman Bikeway Project Secures Million Dollar Federal Funding Check

Arlington Town Meeting Approves FY2027 Budget

Arlington Town Meeting Votes To Set Up Revolving Fund For Important Property

Arlington Brewery Earns Gold Medal In 'Beer Olympics'