2026 marks the City of Troy’s fortieth year as a recognized Tree City USA. The annual Tree City designation is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor effective city forest management.

The Tree City USA program celebrates over 3,500 American cities for their commitment to the management of and access to trees. To qualify, cities must meet four standards, including:

• Having a community tree care ordinance. Troy’s Codified Ordinances address tree care and, in 2007, Troy’s Board of Park Commissioners adopted a Tree Maintenance Policy administered by the Park Department.
• Maintaining a tree board or department. The City’s Beautification Department serves as Troy’s Tree Board, making recommendations related to tree care and planning.
• Having a forestry budget of at least $2 per capita. In 2025, Troy spent approximately $86,000 on forestry-related expenses, or around $3.17 per capita.
• Celebrating Arbor Day. Troy’s Beautification Committee is proud to host an annual Arbor Day celebration in late April.

Troy’s tree programs are managed by the Park Department under Jeremy Drake, Certified Arborist and Park Department Superintendent. Park staff plant, re-plant, and care for trees on park and public property, and provide tree care guidance for residents and contractors. In 2025, Troy planted 170 trees, pruned over 200 trees, and safely removed 97 dead or damaged trees.

Said Drake, “We’re proud to consistently exceed the annual criteria set forth by the Arbor Day Foundation to be recognized as a Tree City. Standards set by the Ohio State Forester and the Ohio Department of Agriculture show that Troy holds an active and robust forestry program. Our forty-year designation is much more than just a line on our website, and I’m proud to work with residents on our curb lawn and park tree programs on a near-daily basis.”