FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 04/24/2026 Contact: Tyler Baird, Parks and Forestry Superintendent Phone: 319-356-5100 x2069
Iowa City named Tree City USA and Tree City of the World
Iowa City has been named both a Tree City USA and a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.
Iowa City achieved its 46th Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The City also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and an outstanding level of tree care.
The City achieved its first Tree City of the World recognition by meeting the program's five core standards: establish responsibility for the care of trees, define official policy that governs the management of forests and trees, keep an up-to-date inventory and assessment, dedicate an annual budget for the routine implementation of the tree management plan, and an annual celebration of trees.
"We are proud to join a growing list of communities designated as Tree Cities of the World" said Iowa City Forestry Superintendent Tyler Baird. "This distinction highlights the passion and commitment to trees by our community and forestry staff.
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits. Increasing our tree canopy with diverse species will help us reach our Climate action goals.
