City gains global praise from Arbor Day Foundation and UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization
For Immediate Release: April 8, 2025
Surrey, B.C. – The City of Surrey has earned the distinguished title of ‘Tree City of the World’ for the sixth year in a row, a recognition bestowed by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This accolade celebrates Surrey’s unwavering efforts to responsibly nurture and sustain its urban forest.
“Being named a Tree City of the World showcases our commitment to safeguarding and growing our urban greenery,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Surrey values its lush tree canopy and expanding park spaces. Protecting these vital natural areas not only supports the environment but also offers residents spaces to connect and enjoy outdoor activities. A heartfelt thank you to our city team and community members for their year-round efforts in tending to Surrey’s green spaces.”
The Tree Cities of the World Program is a worldwide effort to spotlight cities that use urban forestry to boost local sustainability and quality of life. To achieve this honor, cities must meet five essential criteria: designate tree care responsibilities, establish rules for tree and forest management, keep an updated record of tree assets, commit funding to tree care plans, and organize yearly events to raise awareness about trees among residents.
Surrey has made significant strides in meeting these goals. The City’s tree preservation regulations help limit tree removal and damage by enforcing tougher safeguards and replacement planting rules for both public and private lands. Through efforts like the Shade Tree Initiative and Urban Forestry Plan, thousands of trees are added to public spaces annually. Surrey also boasts a thorough catalog of its trees—available on the COSMOS online mapping tool—tracking over 85,000 street trees and nearly 28,000 park trees, all carefully planted and maintained on a regular schedule.
“Our tree care program is robust, covering everything from planting new trees to watering, trimming, and checking their health on public land,” said Rob Landucci, Surrey’s Urban Forestry Manager. “We’re thankful for residents who join us in nurturing our natural surroundings.”
Surrey also engages its community with events that promote environmental stewardship. The City holds four tree sales each year, providing affordable trees for residents to plant at home, helping cool urban areas, manage rainwater, purify the air, and enhance well-being. Opportunities to plant trees in parks and the annual Party for the Planet—B.C.’s biggest Earth Day event—further encourage residents to play a role in expanding Surrey’s green canopy.
Learn more about Surrey’s urban forestry efforts at the Protecting Surrey’s Urban Forest webpage.
