The City of Little Rock was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Little Rock achieved 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. 

“As a Tree City USA for the past 16 years, Little Rock is dedicated to our urban forests, which provide shade, bring beauty to our neighborhoods, help with home energy efficiency and remove air pollutants,” City Manager Bruce T. Moore said. “Our Urban Forestry division serves as a resource to the community to raise awareness about the importance of trees to our environment and our City.”

Little Rock is among 3,400 Tree City USA communities, and one of only 34 in Arkansas. The program, which has been greening up cities and towns across the United States since 1976, provides the framework for managing and expanding public trees.

The Urban Forestry Division cares for trees in 56 City parks, three golf courses, several city properties and the area between sidewalks and curbs. The division maintains a tree farm and plants approximately 1,000 trees each winter.

"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand," said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

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.

More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

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. More information is available at arborday.org.