Florence, South Carolina – Florence has added another chapter to its long record of urban forestry, earning recognition as a 2026 Tree City USA community from the Arbor Day Foundation. The designation marks the city’s 46th consecutive year in the national program, a milestone that reflects decades of steady work to protect, manage and grow the city’s tree canopy.
The city also received its 19th Tree City USA Growth Award, an additional honor given to communities that go beyond the basic standards of tree care and show measurable environmental improvement. With that latest recognition, Florence continues to hold the distinction of having received the most Tree City USA Growth Awards in South Carolina.
“Our long-standing recognition as a Tree City USA community is something Florence takes great pride in,” said City Manager Scotty Davis in a release sent to Florence News Journal.
“It highlights our continued dedication to caring for our environment, practicing sustainability, and improving residents’ quality of life through well-planned urban forestry efforts.”
The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes cities that make tree care part of their public responsibility. To qualify, Florence met four core requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, enforcing a tree care ordinance, setting aside at least $2 per person each year for community forestry, and holding an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
For Florence, the recognition is tied not only to policy but also to visible work across the city. Throughout 2025, the city planted 287 trees, pruned 2,085 trees, and removed 144 hazardous trees. Those numbers point to a year of active maintenance, where new planting was balanced with safety work and long-term care for existing trees.
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The award was presented on June 4, 2026, during the monthly meeting of the City of Florence Parks and Beautification Commission. The commission meets on the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at 513 Barnes Street in Florence.
After 46 straight years as a Tree City USA, the city’s recognition is more than a yearly certificate. It is a sign of continuity. Florence’s latest award shows that its commitment to trees, public spaces and environmental care remains firmly rooted, while its urban forestry program continues to grow with the community it serves.
