When cities focus on urban forestry, they root communities in health, happiness, and belonging.
The Tree Cities of the World programme is an international effort to recognise cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and duly celebrated.
To be recognised as a Tree City, a community must meet five core standards that illustrate a commitment to caring for its trees and forest. Our goal is to connect cities around the world in a new network dedicated to sharing and adopting the most successful approaches to managing community trees and forests.
Standards for Recognition
Leadership In Action
To be recognised as a Tree City of the World, communities must apply annually with activities occurring between January 1 and December 31 that meet or exceed the five standards.
Standard 1: Responsibility for City Trees
A city must identify a clearly defined individual, department, or group of citizens — often referred to as a Tree Board — responsible for the planting, care, and planning of trees located on public land. This responsible entity provides leadership and oversight to ensure that the city’s urban forest supports local goals for sustainability, resilience, and livability.
Standard 2: City Tree Policies
A city must have at least one law, ordinance, or official policy that governs the planting, care, protection, and removal of trees. These rules must be accessible to city staff and residents and apply to trees on public land and, where applicable, private property.
Standard 3: Tree and Forest Assessments
A city must demonstrate an understanding of its tree and forest resource through a recent assessment, inventory, or canopy study. This information provides the foundation for informed decision-making, planning, and sustainable urban forest management.
Standard 4: Annual Budget for City Trees
A city must demonstrate ongoing financial and in-kind investment in the management of its urban forest through an annual budget or documented expenditures.
Standard 5: Celebrating City Trees and Achievements
A city must actively celebrate its urban forest and the people who plant, care for, and steward trees through one or more public events or recognitions during the year.
Benefits of Recognition
Tree Cities of the World provides direction, assistance, and worldwide recognition for your community’s dedication to its urban forest. The programme outlines a framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry plan that provides benefits the entire community can enjoy.
Public recognition and visibility.
Recognition helps communities celebrate their commitment to trees, share their progress with residents, and elevate urban forestry as a source of civic pride and local leadership.
Stronger visibility with local leadership.
The programme gives staff, tree boards, volunteers, and partners a meaningful way to showcase the value of their work to elected officials, department leaders, and other decision-makers.
A practical framework for action.
The five core standards offer a clear, achievable structure for strengthening urban forestry programmes, organizing existing efforts, and building momentum for long-term care.
Connection to a global network.
Tree Cities of the World links communities with a growing international network of places that are investing in trees, learning from one another, and inspiring continued progress. In some regions this includes invitations to convenings and events.
Resources and guidance to support continued growth.
Programme materials, examples, and reminders help communities understand strong urban forestry practices and communicate their tree work with greater clarity and confidence.
A platform to celebrate progress and inspire community pride.
Recognition shines a light on the people, partnerships, and sustained effort behind thriving urban forests, encouraging communities to keep growing, improving, and caring for their trees.
Tree Cities of the World participant cities can join the Green Cities Network (GCN), a global community of cities committed to advancing FAO’s flagship Green Cities Initiative.
GCN Membership enables support from FAO and its partners for integrating urban forestry, urban agriculture and sustainable bioeconomy into city planning, investment and management, while also gain FAO Green City recognition for their sustainability leadership.
These programme benefits can help communities build the conditions for healthier urban forests over time. The outcomes below describe the broader benefits that healthy, well-managed urban forests can provide to people, communities, and the environment.
Broader Benefits of Healthy Urban Forests
Cooling communities and reducing heat risk.
Tree canopy provides shade and helps lower surrounding temperatures, making streets, parks, and public spaces more comfortable and safer during extreme heat.
Managing stormwater and reducing flooding.
Trees intercept rainfall, absorb water through their roots, and help reduce runoff that can overwhelm drainage systems during heavy storms.
Improving air quality and storing carbon.
Leaves can capture some air pollutants, while trees absorb and store carbon dioxide as they grow.
Supporting public health and well-being.
Access to trees and green spaces can encourage outdoor activity, reduce stress, and contribute to stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
Strengthening biodiversity and urban habitat.
Urban forests provide food, shelter, and movement corridors for birds, pollinators, insects, and other wildlife.
Creating long-term economic and community value.
Healthy tree canopy can reduce energy demand, support attractive public spaces, and contribute to the overall quality of life in cities.
Let’s Dig In
Your first step towards becoming a Tree City of the World starts here. Fill out the application and you’ll be on your way to being a globally recognized conservation leader.