Wausau: 45 Years Green, Tree City USA Champion

Wausau has once again been honored as a 2025 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, celebrating its remarkable 45-year streak of commitment to urban forestry. This recognition underscores the city's dedication to the planting, care, and maintenance of its tree canopy.

The Tree City USA program, now in its 50th year, is a collaborative effort between the Arbor Day Foundation, the National Association of State Foresters, and the USDA Forest Service. It acknowledges communities that prioritize their urban forests.

To qualify for this prestigious designation, cities must meet four essential criteria: maintaining a dedicated tree board or department, implementing a community tree ordinance, investing at least $2 per capita in urban forestry initiatives, and actively participating in Arbor Day events.

Wausau City Forester John Kahon expressed pride in the city's sustained achievement, attributing it to strong community support and a skilled team of arborists. The benefits of urban trees are extensive, including mitigating the urban heat island effect, reducing stormwater runoff, and improving air quality.

Trees also contribute to enhanced mental and physical health, can lower traffic noise, increase property values, and reduce energy costs for residents. Michelle Saulnier of the Arbor Day Foundation lauded Wausau as a leader in a growing movement to create more livable and sustainable communities through the strategic use of trees.