The Arbor Day Foundation has named Columbia a 2025 Tree City USA community, recognizing the city’s ongoing commitment to planting, maintaining, and protecting trees for the benefit of residents and the environment.
The designation marks the 47th consecutive year Columbia has received the honor through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, which is celebrating its 50th year of recognizing communities dedicated to urban forestry.
“Being recognized for 47 years as a Tree City USA community is something we are truly proud of here in the City of Columbia,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “Our trees do so much more than line our streets and parks. They provide shade on our hottest days, help cool our neighborhoods, and create spaces where people can gather, relax, and connect.”
Rickenmann noted that preserving and expanding Columbia’s tree canopy is increasingly important as temperatures rise, helping create a healthier and more resilient community.
The Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, has helped plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities in more than 60 countries through its network of supporters and partners.
According to the foundation, trees play a vital role in urban areas by reducing the heat island effect, improving air quality, decreasing stormwater runoff, and enhancing both physical and mental health. Trees can also help reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs when planted in appropriate locations.
“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation. “Tree champions like the City of Columbia are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action.”
To qualify for Tree City USA recognition, communities must maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and observe Arbor Day annually.
The Tree City USA program is administered by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
