South Brunswick Named 2025 Tree City USA: See Details

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick has been named as a 2025 Tree City USA by the Arbor Foundation in honor of its commitment to plant, grow and maintain trees to benefit the community.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant over 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries.

The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50th recognition season, underscoring the program’s history of growing healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry.

“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Tree champions like South Brunswick are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action.”

"Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation's cities,” Saulnier continued. “We're proud South Brunswick 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, officials said.

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.

“The Township Shade Tree Commission is gratified to have implemented the programs to earn this recognition — 34 years,” said Jeff Cramer, Chair of the Shade Tree Commission.

Mayor Charlie Carley added, “We are proud to be recognized once again as a Tree City USA community and appreciate the ongoing efforts of everyone involved in maintaining and enhancing South Brunswick’s natural resources.”

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards, including:

• Maintaining a tree board or department
• Having a community tree ordinance
• Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
• Participating in an Arbor Day celebration

The Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

To learn more about the program or how to apply, you can visit their website.