Athens recognized as 2025 Tree City USA for commitment to urban forestry

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Athens a 2025 Tree City USA, recognizing the city’s ongoing commitment to planting, growing and maintaining trees to benefit the community.

According to the City of Athens, the designation honors municipalities that demonstrate a dedication to effective urban forestry management and environmental stewardship. The Tree City USA program, now in its 50th year, highlights communities that work to create healthier, greener and more resilient environments through the care and expansion of tree canopies.

Mayor Ronnie Marks credited city staff for their role in achieving the designation, particularly Athens Utilities Right of Way Manager Rhett Murphy and other employees who help oversee tree-related efforts throughout the city.

“I appreciate Rhett Murphy, who is the Right of Way Manager for Athens Utilities, working with other staff members to oversee this designation,” Marks said. “Most recently, we have talked about the importance of tree plantings as we work on park projects and future projects.”

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization focused on inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Through its network of more than one million supporters and partners, the foundation has helped plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries.

City officials noted that trees provide a range of benefits, including reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality and supporting mental and physical health. Strategically planted trees can also help reduce traffic noise, increase property values and lower energy costs for homeowners.

The Tree City USA program is operated by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. More information about the program and other Arbor Day Foundation initiatives is available at arborday.org/programs.