Oklahoma City honored as Tree City USA
04/28/2025
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Oklahoma City has again earned recognition as a Tree City USA for its efforts to protect and plant trees.
The Arbor Day Foundation bestows the Tree City USA designation on communities that meet several standards for protecting and planting trees.
“Trees in Oklahoma City are of utmost importance,” Forestry Supervisor David Summers said. “Not only do they provide shaded areas from the summer sun, create habitat for a rich population of wildlife, and help with air pollution, but their aesthetics and presence give the community great joy and pride in their neighborhoods. Planning, planting, and caring for our trees is a legacy we leave to our future residents. With ongoing care, we can all enjoy and take pride in our stunning and diverse tree population for generations to come.”
The OKC Parks Forestry Division shared a list of their favorite tree species growing in Oklahoma City in honor of the Tree City USA designation:
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Arizona Cypress. This resilient tree looks and smells beautiful. The harsher the weather, the happier it is.
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Cedar of Lebanon. Only a few mature specimens grow in Oklahoma City, but they are stunning.
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Ginko. This Japanese import does very well here and is beautiful in fall.
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Oklahoma Redbud. The short-lived beauty is an Oklahoma icon when planted correctly out of afternoon sun.
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Pecan. This beloved tree is both majestic and a delicious producer.
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Shumard Oak. This hardy, stately tree has beautiful fall colors.
All of these except the Cedar of Lebanon can be seen in the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum at Will Rogers Gardens.
Staff at Will Rogers Gardens planned to plant six new trees Monday at the arboretum in honor of Arbor Day, which was Friday, April 25. Rainy weather has delayed planting, which will happen when the ground is dry enough to do so in May. The six trees are Austrian pine, bald cypress and bur oak.
The Arbor Day Foundation estimates trees reduce costs for energy consumption, stormwater management and erosion control, providing value up to five times more than the cost of a tree. Shade from trees planted around buildings, for example, can reduce energy consumption by up to 25 percent.
“A healthy tree canopy is vital for a truly resilient city,” T.O. Bowman, program planner with the City of Oklahoma City’s Office of Sustainability, said. “Trees are one of the most important natural resources we have as they help cities manage stormwater, erosion, air quality, and the effects of extreme heat while creating habitat for a variety of wildlife. With more than 28 days over 100°F projected for Oklahoma City by mid-century, preserving and maintaining existing trees will be as crucial as adding new trees to the canopy in the coming decades.”
About Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation
Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation operates more than 170 parks, 100 miles of trails, 5,000 acres of public land, and a network of recreation, aquatic, athletic, and senior centers. The mission of OKC Parks is to provide cultural, social, and recreational experiences that give our community the opportunity to cultivate wellness and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
About the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum
Oklahoma City is also home to a 10-acre arboretum. The Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum at Will Rogers Gardens is home to hundreds of varieties of trees and is free to visit. The oldest trees in the arboretum were planted by horticulturalist Henry Walter when Will Rogers Gardens was founded in the 1930s. The arboretum also features an accessible trail.
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Media Contact:
Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs
Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation
(405) 203-4258
carrie.jacobs@okc.gov
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City Hall, 200 N Walker Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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