Gift trees for the holidays and grow a brighter future. TREES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Honoring America’s Roots
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, let’s invest in the country we call home by shaping a stronger canopy.
December 1, 2025
America is many things. A country, a leader, an idea. Above all though, America is home.
This is the birthplace for generations of families and the setting for countless lives. Each year, decade, and century that’s passed is an achievement, reflecting our ability to keep this collective home standing proud and strong. Now, as America reaches its 250th anniversary, it’s time to honor the legacy of home.
At the Arbor Day Foundation, we believe celebrating the last 250 years means laying a solid foundation for the next 250 and planting trees is one of the best ways to do it.
Trees strengthen the heartbeat of American communities, fostering happier and healthier places to live. In cities and neighborhoods, trees help reduce life-threatening extreme heat, mitigate stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners. Trees can also help bring us together, because even in moments of division, we are all united by the roots that run beneath our feet and the canopy that drapes above our heads.
Planting new trees is a sign of respect for what the past has given us and an act of love that we give to the future.
As a partner of the America 250 initiative, the Arbor Day Foundation is challenging communities and activating its Tree City USA network to enact positive, tangible change all over the country. This incredible network of mayors, city foresters, and tree champions reaches across more than 3,500 cities, all 50 states and helps plant nearly 1 million trees through more than 1 million volunteer hours each year. Tree City USA, also celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, was born in the same spirit as the country it celebrates: a bold ambition to shape something greater.
So this year, as both America and Tree City USA cross these significant milestones, we’re calling on leaders across the country to strengthen our commitment to healthy, sustainable communities by committing to trees.
Here's How You Can Get Involved
Plant Trees
Whether it’s 25 trees, 250 trees, or more, planting trees is an investment in the future of the communities that need trees the most. Create a tree planting project, with the community’s support and involvement, by selecting a public space in need of trees. Invite community organizations, businesses, and volunteers to join you.
Nurture Trees
Nurturing community trees goes beyond mulch and water. In 2026, let's come together to expand the care our urban forests need.
- Partner with community organizations, such as schools, local businesses, neighborhood associations, or faith-based groups, to educate their networks about the importance of trees
- Partner with local tree care companies and other natural resource professionals to develop a training program to build or enhance your community’s green workforce
- Take on an initiative to incorporate trees into local plans and policies
Celebrate Trees
Join the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary by bringing your community together. Host a festival, a day of service, or an Arbor Day event that honors the rich diversity of our people and the beauty of trees. Consider marking this historic milestone by planting a commemorative tree with a plaque—a living symbol of our nation’s legacy and our shared commitment to growth, unity, and a greener future.
To be part of the Arbor Day Foundation’s rapidly growing tree planting movement, apply to become a Tree City USA today or be recognized for the growth of your existing Tree City program with a Growth Award.
