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Atlanta marks Arbor Day with 3,000‑tree push and long‑term canopy target
Summary
City officials and Trees Atlanta announced plans to plant more than 3,000 trees during the current planting season and reaffirmed a long‑term target to increase equitable tree canopy across Atlanta neighborhoods.
Atlanta officials marked Georgia Arbor Day on Feb. 17 by reiterating the city’s commitment to expand tree canopy and to plant more than 3,000 trees during the current season.
Commissioner Cutler of the Department of Parks and Recreation said Atlanta is celebrating its 40th consecutive year as a Tree City USA, and tied the Arbor Day proclamation to a month‑long Love Your Park volunteer series. “The best day to plant a tree was about a hundred years ago. The next best day is today,” Commissioner Cutler told the council.
City officials said the Parks Department has acquired more than 580 acres of largely forested land under the current mayor for parkland preservation, and reiterated a long‑term goal of attaining a 50% canopy. Trees Atlanta Executive Director Greg Levine described the work as “planting a legacy,” and encouraged residents to pick up free yard trees being distributed to city residents during the week.
Why it matters: Trees reduce heat‑island effects, improve air and water quality, and can help lower energy costs. City leaders said the current planting season — part of a 1,000,000‑tree initiative with Trees Atlanta — will place projects in every council district.
Operational notes: The Parks Department said the Love Your Park effort expanded volunteer projects from 12 parks in 2024 to more than 30 parks in 2025, and that the city and partners aim to plant 3,000 trees this season as part of an ongoing canopy strategy.
Ending: Officials asked residents to join weekend planting events and take advantage of the free yard‑tree program for Atlanta residents.
