For Immediate Release – June 5, 2026
The City of Florence Celebrates 46 Consecutive Years as a Tree City USA and its 19th Tree City USA Growth Award
Media Contacts:
Adam Swindler, Public Works Director – 843-665-3236 or aswindler@cityofflorencesc.gov
FLORENCE, SC – The City of Florence is proud to announce its designation as a 2026 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, marking its 46th consecutive year of receiving the award. Additionally, the city received its 19th Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement, showcasing an exceptional standard of tree care. The City of Florence continues to hold the honor of receiving the most Tree City USA Growth Awards in the state of South Carolina.
“Our long-standing recognition as a Tree City USA community is something Florence takes great pride in,” said City Manager Scotty Davis. “It highlights our continued dedication to caring for our environment, practicing sustainability, and improving residents’ quality of life through well-planned urban forestry efforts.”
Florence achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Throughout 2025, the City of Florence planted 287 trees, pruned 2,085 trees, and removed 144 hazardous trees.
The award was presented on June 4, 2026, to the City of Florence Parks and Beautification Commission during their monthly meeting, which is held on the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM at 513 Barnes Street, Florence, SC 29501. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
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