February 27, 2026<\/p>\n
The Arbor Day Foundation designated Cape Coral as a 2025 Tree City USA community and awarded the City its eighth consecutive Growth Award for its commitment to effective urban forest management.<\/p>\n
This marks the 34th year Cape Coral has achieved the Tree City USA designation by meeting the program’s four requirements:<\/p>\n
Maintaining a tree board or department
\nHaving a tree care ordinance
\nDedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita
\nHosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation<\/p>\n
Cape Coral earned the Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care. This includes major milestones and annual activities in five categories:<\/p>\n
Building a team
\nMeasuring trees and forests
\nPlanning the work
\nPerforming the work
\nBuilding the community framework<\/p>\n
In 2025, the City planted more than 4,000 trees in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture, Future Forestry, Keep Lee County Beautiful, and LCEC.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarning this recognition year after year shows how deeply our City cares about its trees and green spaces,\u201d said City Arborist Omar Leon. \u201cEvery tree we plant is a promise to the future for cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and a healthier environment. I encourage all of our residents to join us in this promise by planting trees at home\u2014because every tree truly makes a difference. Together, we can continue growing a resilient urban forest that benefits our community for years to come.”<\/p>\n