Pittsburgh Marks 20 Years as Tree City USA with Events

Published on April 17, 2025

Office of the Mayor - City Seal

THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AS A TREE CITY USA WITH EARTH DAY EVENTS AND COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING

Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh is proud to celebrate its 20th year as a designated Tree City USA, a recognition awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to communities committed to sound urban forestry practices.

To honor this milestone and kick off the City’s green season, Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works Forestry Division will plant 20 spruce trees—one for every year of Tree City USA status—during a service day at the City’s Forestry field office on Earth Day.

Each year, the Tree City USA program requires municipalities to meet four core standards:

  • A Shade Tree Commission in place to protect and preserve the urban tree canopy

  • An annual proclamation recognizing Arbor Day

  • An annual tree planting celebration

  • A minimum budget of $2 per capita dedicated to tree-related work

“This designation reflects our ongoing commitment to a greener, healthier Pittsburgh,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “Trees are essential to our city—they cool our streets, clean our air, and improve the quality of life for residents in every neighborhood.”

As part of the annual tradition, the Tree City USA flag will be flown on Mt. Washington from Earth Day through Arbor Day (April 22–26).

Earth Day Celebration – Tuesday, April 22

Pittsburghers are welcomed to join the Department of Public Works Forestry Division at the City-County Building portico from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. for a celebratory kickoff featuring guest speakers, live music, and information about the City's ongoing Smart Street Tree Inventory with representatives from the Davey Resource Group.

Throughout the week, residents can also participate in community cleanups, educational programs, and tree planting activities hosted by partners across the city.

For more information about Pittsburgh’s Tree City USA designation and Earth Day programming, visit pittsburghpa.gov/dpw/forestry.

Jacob Williams
Press Officer
Jacob.Williams@pittsburghpa.gov
(412) 667-8264

 

 

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