A Growing Legacy

For 33 years, the City of West Des Moines has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This honor reflects our long-term commitment to maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest.

Mandatory Standards for Recognition

To be named a Tree City USA, West Des Moines must meet these four foundational standards every year:

  • Standard 1: A Tree Board or Department. Maintaining professional oversight and a legal responsibility for the care of all municipal trees.
  • Standard 2: A Tree Care Ordinance. Providing clear guidance for planting, maintaining, and removing trees in public spaces.
  • Standard 3: A Community Forestry Program. Investing an annual budget of at least $2 per resident toward tree care.
  • Standard 4: An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation. Hosting an annual celebration and issuing an official Arbor Day Proclamation.

Tree City USA Growth Award

The Growth Award recognizes communities that go beyond the four basic standards. West Des Moines has received this honor seven times by excelling in the following categories:

Eligibility: A community must first be a Tree City USA for at least two consecutive years and earn points by completing activities in these areas:

  • Category A: Education and Public Relations
  • Category B: Partnerships
  • Category C: Planning and Management
  • Category D: Tree Planting and Maintenance
Tree City USA Growth Award Logo