LATHRUP VILLAGE, MI – The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Lathrup Village as a 2025 Tree City USA, honoring the City’s commitment to effective urban forest management and the care of public trees throughout the community.
The recognition is part of the national Tree City USA program, which celebrates municipalities that demonstrate leadership in maintaining and expanding their urban tree canopy. In 2025, 122 communities across Michigan received the designation for their dedication to promoting and caring for public trees.
Tree City USA communities meet a set of standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and supported by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, including maintaining a tree board or department, adopting a tree care ordinance, investing in a community forestry program, and observing Arbor Day.
According to Lawrence Law, Urban Forester and Outreach Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, communities across the state continue to show a strong commitment to urban forestry initiatives. “Our Arbor Day Foundation Program participants have done an amazing job with their tree work this past year,” Law said. “It’s great to work with communities that want to do more to provide residents with the many benefits trees bring.”
Trees play a vital role in improving the quality of life by enhancing neighborhood beauty, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and providing shade and energy savings for residents. By maintaining and investing in its urban forest, Lathrup Village continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
The year 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Tree City USA program, highlighting decades of work by communities nationwide to invest in the long-term benefits of urban forestry.
Residents interested in learning more about the Arbor Day Foundation and its Tree USA programs can visit arborday.org/programs. Additional information about Michigan’s Urban and Community Forestry program is available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
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