Arbor Day Foundation names San Bernardino a Tree City

San Bernardino has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its efforts to maintain and nurture its urban forest. This is the second year the city has received the designation.

“The City of San Bernardino has over 42,000 trees under management,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “Being recognized as a Tree City USA shows the hard work of our urban forestry team is producing results.”

In order to been named a Tree City USA, a city must have a tree care ordinance, a dedicated annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, a tree board or department, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“San Bernardino’s investment into the creation of an Urban Forestry program is yielding us tremendous results,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas.

San Bernardino’s Urban Forestry Team, led by City Arborist Matt McDonald, has taken significant steps to maintain and grow its forestry program. They manage the planting, trimming, nurturing, and caring for more than 42,000 trees throughout the city.

The team also identifies sick or dying trees and oversees their removal. As a result, the number of claims against the City for damage caused by fallen branches or downed trees has dropped dramatically.

“Over the last few years, the value and importance of trees has become increasingly clear,” said Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive Dan Lambe in a statement. “Residents of the City of San Bernardino should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority,”