Published June 15, 2026

For the 39th consecutive year, the City of Dearborn has been officially recognized as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. The global nonprofit, dedicated to tree planting, advocacy, and education, presented the designation in honor of Dearborn’s ongoing commitment to expanding its urban forest, protecting public health, and improving local air quality.

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud emphasized that the designation reflects a long-term environmental initiative for the city.

"We are proud to uphold our status as a Tree City USA community for nearly four decades,” Mayor Hammoud stated. “Trees are vital to our city’s infrastructure and future. They are directly tied to the public health of our neighborhoods, helping to mitigate flooding, lower residential energy bills, and actively filter air pollution."

To achieve Tree City USA status, municipalities must meet standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and supported locally by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These include:

• Maintaining a dedicated city forestry department or tree board.
• Enforcing a comprehensive community tree care ordinance.
• Investing at least $2 per capita annually in a community forestry program.
• Hosting an official annual Arbor Day observance.

Arbor Day was marked by the Dearborn City Beautiful Commission planting a tree for students at Sacred Heart School in anticipation of its dedication in May, when the commission joined Hammoud at six schools celebrating "Green Up" initiatives. Commissioners Janet Damian and Renee Ziaja shared how to care for the red maple tree, and then the students took over. Arbor Day plantings are one reason Dearborn qualifies for the Tree City USA designation.

 

City Beautiful Commissioners and City staff join students at a tree planting at Sacred Heart School. Arbor Day plantings are one reason Dearborn qualifies for the Tree City USA designation.

Dearborn regularly includes expanded tree coverage into its regional flood mitigation and local air quality improvement efforts.

How residents can order a free easement tree
The City of Dearborn continues to manage a long-standing community program offering free tree planting services on residential easements. Available through the Department of Public Works & Facilities (DPW), the program allows homeowners to request a tree to be planted in their front easement—the land located directly between the sidewalk and the street curb.

• How to Apply: Interested residents can submit a request online by visiting Dearborn.gov/FreeTrees.
• Availability: Property owners can choose from a selection of tree types, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while seasonal supplies last.
• Maintenance & Care: Homeowners are responsible for the basic upkeep of the tree, such as regular watering and weeding. Residents are provided with comprehensive care guides at the time of planting, and the City continues to assist with regular trimming as needed.

Private property guidelines and tree inspections
The City of Dearborn also provides arborist assessments for public easement trees that may be diseased or damaged. Upon a resident's request, a certified city arborist will inspect easement trees to determine if removal is necessary. If approved, the City handles the removal at no charge to the homeowner.

For trees located entirely on private property, municipal ordinance states that residents must obtain a formal permit before removing any tree measuring 16 inches or greater in diameter at breast height (DBH). Detailed private property tree rules, and general forestry guidelines can be accessed at Dearborn.gov/Trees.
 

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