Sioux Falls Named Tree City USA for 42nd Year

Sioux Falls retained its streak of 42 consecutive years as a Tree City USA in 2022 by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Sioux Falls is one of 29 South Dakota cities to fulfill the requirements. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

The Forestry Division within the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department sustains the health, diversity, and productivity of the city’s urban forest and street trees.

“We’re committed to creating a greener future for Sioux Falls,” Bryan Peterson, urban forestry specialist said. “Planting and caring for trees will ensure that generations to come can enjoy a better quality of life.”

Residents can apply for street tree planting permits here. Approved residents will receive a $50 voucher when they purchase a tree from a participating nursery. Forestry is looking to plant around 650 trees on City land this year.

Parks and Recreation partners with the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum to educate and share nature and trees with the Sioux Falls metro area. For more information visit www.maryjowegnerarboretum.com.

For more information on planting a street tree, go to www.siouxfalls.org/parks/forestry/planting-permit. To learn more about Tree City USA, visit www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.