TYLER, TX — For the 16th consecutive year, the City of Tyler has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a prestigious national recognition that honors communities for their dedication to urban forestry and sustainable green space management.
The designation confirms Tyler’s commitment to maintaining and growing its urban forest. To qualify for Tree City USA status, a city must meet four core standards:
- Maintain a tree board or department
- Have a tree care ordinance
- Invest at least $2 per capita annually in community forestry
- Hold an official Arbor Day observance and proclamation
In addition, Tyler received the Tree City USA Growth Award for the ninth year in a row, distinguishing itself as one of only 47 of the 99 Tree Cities in Texas to reach this higher standard of environmental stewardship. The Growth Award acknowledges cities that go above and beyond in enhancing their urban forest through education, innovation, and increased tree planting.
Rooted in Community Impact
In 2024, Tyler held an expansive Arbor Day celebration with tree-planting activities at Pollard Park, Golden Road Park, and Noble E. Young Park. Altogether, 110 new trees were added to local green spaces. The City also partnered with CHRISTUS Health for a seedling giveaway, distributing over 2,000 free tree seedlings to local families.
In total, 138 trees were planted on public property, demonstrating that Tyler’s investment in greenery is more than symbolic — it’s a concrete, community-wide effort to improve quality of life.
“Being recognized as a Tree City USA and receiving the Growth Award for 2024 is a very meaningful achievement,” said Luke Alfaro, Urban Forester and Arborist for the City of Tyler. “It shows how much we care about keeping our community green, healthy and beautiful for future generations.”
Why Urban Trees Matter — Locally and Globally
Urban trees are more than just landscaping. Properly planted and maintained trees provide measurable environmental, economic, and public health benefits, including:
- Cleaner air: Trees absorb pollutants and produce oxygen, improving local air quality in Tyler and reducing respiratory irritants like ozone and dust.
- Climate moderation: Trees reduce the urban heat island effect, helping to lower cooling costs and conserve energy during Texas summers.
- Stormwater management: Roots help prevent soil erosion and reduce flooding risks by absorbing rainwater.
- Biodiversity: Trees provide critical habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals.
- Mental and physical health: Green spaces are linked to lower stress levels, improved mood, and higher physical activity.
A Greener Tyler Means a Healthier East Texas
The ecological benefits of Tyler’s tree initiatives extend beyond city limits. Air currents, storm systems, and wildlife habitats don’t stop at city borders—neighboring communities also benefit from improved regional air quality, cooler temperatures, and reduced carbon output.
Furthermore, by setting a public example of sustainable practices, Tyler encourages other East Texas municipalities to invest in their own green infrastructure, creating a ripple effect of environmental responsibility.
Growing for the Future
With more than a decade of continuous recognition, Tyler’s urban forestry programs are more than annual gestures — they are part of a long-term strategy to balance growth with green space preservation.
“This is about more than beautification,” said Alfaro. “It’s about resilience. Trees make our city more livable, our neighborhoods healthier, and our environment stronger — both now and for generations to come.”
Learn More
🌳 Visit ArborDay.org/TreeCityUSA for national program info
📞 Contact the Tyler Urban Forestry Division: (903) 531-1370
📧 Email: Forestry@TylerTexas.com
