Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The Arbor Day Foundation named the City of McAllen a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season. The anniversary underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry.
“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions, like the City of McAllen, are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud that McAllen is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.
“This recognition reflects our community’s shared commitment to making McAllen a greener, healthier place to live,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Trees play a vital role in enhancing our quality of life, from providing shade and reducing heat to creating more beautiful, livable neighborhoods. We’re grateful to Tree City USA for recognizing our investment in urban forestry and responsible tree management.”
“This designation reflects the shared commitment of the City of McAllen and our residents to strengthening and maintaining our urban forest,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “With more than 100 parks across our city, we continue to invest in green spaces that enhance quality of life for our families. Through strategic planning, consistent investment, and strong community partnerships, we are expanding tree planting efforts and enhancing long term care. We are especially grateful to our residents, whose support and stewardship play a vital role in creating a more resilient, sustainable McAllen.”
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about Tree City USA and other Arbor Day Foundation programs, visit arborday.org/programs.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they have answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.
