Tree City USA Certification
Tree City USA is a national recognition program that certifies communities for their commitment to planting and caring for urban trees. The program is run by the Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the US Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. To be recognized as a Tree City USA, communities must meet four standards.
- Standard 1: A Tree Board or Department
- Standard 2: A Community Tree Ordinance
- Standard 3: A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at least $2 per capita
- Standard 4: An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation
The Tree City USA award is presented to the Mayor by the North Carolina Forest Service during the Town's annual Arbor Day celebration. In March 2025, Knightdale was recognized as a Tree City USA for the 24th year.
Arbor Day
The first American Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska in 1872 with the planting of over a million trees. The idea quickly spread across the United States and Arbor Day is now celebrated annually. Arbor Day reminds us of the importance of trees and all the benefits they provide to us and the earth. Typical Arbor Day celebrations include tree plantings, tree giveaways, and community cleanups.
Arbor Day celebrations vary across the nation, depending on local planting seasons. National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April and North Carolina officially celebrates Arbor Day on the first Friday following March 15.
The Town of Knightdale will celebrate our 2026 Arbor Day on Friday, March 20 at the Knightdale Environmental Park. The Town will be recognized by the NC Forest Service as a TreeCity USA for the 25th time! Arbor Day also coincides with the Clean Water Education Partnership's Regional Creek Week. Additional events include a shred truck, pollinator seed giveaway, and community litter sweep.
Arbor Day 2026:
Friday, March 20th
2:00 PM at the Knightdale Environmental Park (behind Town Hall)