The National Arbor Day Foundation (NADF) has recognized 56 Virginia communities with the Tree City USA Award.  The towns, cities and military installations that have achieved Tree City USA certification satisfy guidelines from the Arbor Day Foundation.  Each community needs to meet or exceed the following standards set by NADF:  establish a tree board or commission; write and pass a tree ordinance; document a $2 per capita expenditure on tree related matters; and have an Arbor day celebration each year.

“Trees are much more than a pretty face,” said Barbara White, urban and community forester with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). “They’re vital to our quality of life and the environment – trees are part of our ‘green infrastructure.’ They help clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. And, when properly placed beside a home, trees can even help us conserve energy.” 

The Tree Campus USA^® program helps colleges and universities around the country establish and sustain healthy community forests.  Three universities in Virginia qualify as Tree Campus USA: Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, and new in 2015 Virginia State University.

The Tree Line USA^® program recognizes best practices in utility arboriculture.  Three Virginia electric companies, Rappahannock Electric Company, Dominion Virginia Power,and new in 2015 Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative qualify as a Tree Line USA^®. 

Visit the National Arbor Day Foundation to see if your community is a Tree City USA! View a map of all Tree Cities USA.

Trees Virginia reimburses Tree Cities USA for a portion of a tree to be planted at an Arbor Day celebration if the community puts in a request. To learn how your community can become a Tree City USA, visit the Arbor Day Foundation or contact your local Virginia Department of Forestry forester.

Tree City USA Communities in Virginia