Modesto is home to more than 100,000 trees. Is it still recognized as a ‘Tree City’?

The National Arbor Day Foundation , an organization that promotes tree planting and nurturing, “has named Modesto a Tree City USA since 1980,” the city website says.

But Modesto was not listed alongside other California cities in the foundation’s latest report on recognized tree cities across the United States.

Reader Hennie Van Konynenburg asked Bee Curious, a community-driven series where reporters answer reader questions: “Is Modesto still a Tree City?”

Here’s how cities receive recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation and whether Modesto qualifies:

Is Modesto still a ‘Tree City’?

An array of diverse tree species — from majestic oaks to graceful willows — are nestled in the city.

“The city of Modesto’s application to be considered a ‘Tree city USA’ was recently approved,” said Sonya Severo, a city spokeswoman .

The application was approved on April 30.

Elise Peterson, a spokesperson for the Arbor Day Foundation, said Modesto was not included in the most recent list of tree cities, because it did not meet the foundation’s standards.

“We are happy to report that Modesto’s 2023 application was approved, and they are continuing their legacy of being a Tree City,” Peterson wrote in an email to The Bee.

Here is a look at Modesto’s “Tree City” application history and status, provided by the Arbor Day Foundation:

• 1980 through 2015: Approved
• 2016 and 2017: Did not apply
• 2018 through 2021: Approved
• 2022: Not approved
• 2023: Approved

“We consider a city’s ‘legacy’ in the program based on the total number of years they’ve been recognized, so (Modesto is) a 41-year Tree City,” Peterson wrote. “Definitely something to be proud of.”

The 2023 list of recognized tree cities will be available at the end of this month, Peterson said.

The foundation did not specify which of the qualifying factors — including rules around tree management, budget and Arbor Day celebration — the city missed in 2022.

Modesto has approximately 105,000 trees , with 81,000 belonging to the city .

The city is working alongside state agencies to update its tree inventory and Urban Forest Management Plan, according to the city. The database records the planting and maintenance of every city tree.

What other California cities have the honor?

In its most recent list of nationally recognized tree cities, the National Arbor Day Foundation has given recognition to the following California cities for their longstanding dedication to tree preservation:

• Burbank (46 years)
• Sacramento (46 years)
• Santa Rosa (44 years)
• Davis (44 years)
• Burlingame (44 years)
• La Mesa (43 years)
• Los Gatos (43 years)
• Oroville (43 years)
• Santa Barbara (43 years)
• Turlock (32 years)

What’s it mean to be a recognized ‘tree city’ by the Arbor Day Foundation?

To receive annual “Tree City USA” recognition , cities must meet the following four standards:

1. Maintain a tree board or department: There must be a designated group focused on caring for all trees on city property.
2. Tree Care Ordinance: To ensure continuous tree protection, the ordinance must assign authority over public trees and provide guidelines for planting, maintaining, and removing trees from public spaces.
3. Community Forestry Program: Cities must spend at least $2 per capita of their annual budget towards investing in tree resources, such as clean water, and maintaining trees.
4. Celebrate Arbor Day: City officials are required to organize an official Arbor Day celebration, providing an opportunity for citizens to come together and celebrate the benefits of trees and the ongoing efforts to care for them.

“The benefits trees bring to urban environments are endless — and by earning Tree City USA recognition, your community can experience them firsthand,” the foundation said on its website.

Modesto meets all four standards. According to Modesto’s adopted operating budget for 2023 to 2024 , the city has proposed to spend approximately $4,654,774 on forestry resources, including planting, caring and removing trees.

That is more than $2 per capita of the annual budget. It also has a forestry division responsible for care, a city tree ordinance offering guidelines for planting and removal and it celebrated Arbor Day on March 7.

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