The Arbor Day Foundation announced on Mar. 24 that the City of Alexandria has been named a 2025 Tree City USA in recognition of its commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees for community benefit.
The designation highlights Alexandria’s efforts to improve livability and sustainability through urban forestry. The Tree City USA program has recognized communities for more than four decades for their work in fostering healthy environments with trees.
“We all have a role to play in shaping our future, and tree champions like Alexandria, Virginia, are leading the way,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Alexandria is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
Mayor Alyia Gaskins said: “Alexandria’s Tree City USA recognition shows what we can achieve when we invest in our neighborhoods and our environment. Trees strengthen our community, support public health, and help build a more resilient future for all residents.”
Trees play an important role in Alexandria by reducing urban heat, managing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, and supporting public well-being. They also contribute to quieter streets and can lead to higher property values as well as lower energy costs.
To receive this honor from the Arbor Day Foundation, communities must meet four standards: maintain a tree board or department; have a community tree ordinance; invest at least $2 per capita annually in urban forestry; and observe Arbor Day each year.
Alexandria provides services within its defined boundaries as an independent city according to the official website. The city operates under a council-manager form of government where the City Council selects a manager responsible for operations according to the official website. The city also incorporates racial and social equity into policies to foster fair outcomes per the official website.
Alexandria maintains museums such as the Alexandria Black History Museum that document African American heritage as noted on the official website, while other museums interpret local social and cultural history per the official website. Additionally, partnerships between agencies like the Alexandria Archaeological Commission support archaeological research and preservation efforts according to the official website.
The broader impact of this recognition reflects ongoing efforts by cities nationwide to use urban forestry as part of resilient infrastructure planning. The Tree City USA program is operated with partners including the National Association of State Foresters and United States Forest Service.
