Perris Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition from Arbor Day Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Perris Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition from Arbor Day Foundation

PERRIS, Calif. (April 23, 2026) - The City of Perris has officially been named a Tree City USA, earning designation through the Arbor Day Foundation for its ongoing commitment to urban forestry, environmental stewardship, and community beautification.

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, adopting a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. The City demonstrated these standards through its existing programs, policies, and community-focused initiatives. This recognition reflects Perris' continued efforts to promote cleaner, greener neighborhoods through tree planting and maintenance. In 2025, the City planted 187 trees and distributed 90 trees to residents through its Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, while continuing to maintain more than 6,200 trees citywide.

"For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions like the City of Perris are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action," said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities. We're proud Perris is among the Arbor Day Foundation's growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees."

In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.

"Earning Tree City USA recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable Perris for current and future generations," said Mayor Michael M. Vargas. "Through thoughtful planning and community partnerships, we are enhancing quality of life, beautifying our neighborhoods, and creating a greener, more resilient city that our residents can take pride in."

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. The Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. For more information about the Arbor Day Foundation or Tree City USA designation, please visit arborday.org.

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