Dearborn recognized as Tree City USA for 38th year by top global organization

Published May 28, 2025

The City of Dearborn has again been recognized as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation for its 38th year this spring. The global nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to tree planting, advocacy, and education, awarded Dearborn with this designation due to the City’s efforts to expand and maintain its tree canopy and green footprint. 

In order to qualify, cities have to adhere to standards as laid out by the Arbor Day Foundation. These include maintaining a dedicated department for tree management, a tree care ordinance, a minimum $2 per capita spent annually on its forestry program, and official Arbor Day observance.

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud stated, “We’re proud of this designation and plan on keeping our status as a Tree City USA community for many years to come. We understand the importance of trees not just to our neighborhoods, but to public health and air quality, which is why we’re intentional in our tree planting efforts.”

This year, Dearborn celebrated Arbor Day with the City Beautiful Commission by planting trees at Henry Ford Elementary School. The City also routinely utilizes tree coverage in its flood mitigation and air quality improvement efforts.

How to order a free tree for easement

In an effort to further expand its tree canopy, the City of Dearborn offers residents a free tree planting service for their residential easement. The program, available through the City’s Department of Public Works, will plant a tree on interested homeowners’ front easements upon request. Interested residents can order a free tree by visiting Dearborn.gov/FreeTrees. 

The City only plants requested trees on front easements, the area found between the sidewalk and curb of most homes. Each resident is responsible for the care and upkeep of their tree, with the City assisting with trimming as needed. The City and its tree installation contractor provide residents with detailed tree care information before and after planting. 

Upon request, the City also helps residents remove trees from their easement. Typically, this entails the City deploying a certified arborist to inspect the tree to determine whether or not the tree needs to be removed. 

More information and rules for private property tree planting and removals are available at Dearborn.gov/Trees. 
 

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