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Joining Tree City USA in Illinois

Enhance your community for generations to come.

Becoming a Tree City sends a message that your town, village or city is an advocate for trees and our environment. And by bringing together residents of all ages around a shared interest, trees can be a way to unite your community! 

Points of pride for Illinois

200+ Tree City USA communities (Ranks #2 in the U.S.)

More than 60% of Illinois residents live in a Tree City USA community.

Hear from Illinois Tree City USA members

See list of all Illinois Tree City USA communities

RESOURCES AND GRANTS

TCUSA membership provides a ready-made framework for creating a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program in your community:

  • Tools to create a community tree inventory.
  • Guidance for increasing tree biodiversity and managing pests and diseases.
  • Advance notice about community forestry grants.
  • Access to expertise and information from the Illinois state forester and other tree partners.
  • Educational resources and flags/signage.
  • Networking with other Illinois TCUSA communities.

 

Download TCUSA Illinois brochure. 

Get the Guide to Joining Tree City USA in Illinois with information, resources and downloadable application materials.

FREE MEMBERSHIP

There are only 4 requirements to join Tree City USA:

Standard 1:  Form a tree board or department. For help, visit Tree Board University.

Standard 2:  Establish a tree care ordinance.Tree City USA provides sample templates you can customize for your community.

The Morton Arboretum offers a customizable Tree Protection Ordinance Builder. 

Standard 3:  Spend $2 per capita on tree related work. Your community most likely already spends at least $2 per capita annually between planting, maintenance, removal, brush pickup, equipment and insurance.

Standard 4:  Proclaim and celebrate Arbor Day. Activities can range from a simple proclamation to a community-wide event. 

GETTING STARTED

Application portal opens each year in early September and the deadline to apply is December 31.

Visit Tree City USA and take the Readiness Quiz.

The Tree City USA team in Illinois is ready to help you!

Text, email or call Illinois Urban and Community Forestry Administrator.

Name : Mike Brunk

Phone : 217-361-9033

Email : Michael.Brunk@illinois.gov