Mandan Celebrating 50 years as “Tree City USA”
May 1, 2026 - This year marks the City of Mandan’s 50th Year as a “Tree City USA”. An email from the Arbor Day Foundation reads:
“In 1976, Tree City USA began a movement to inspire communities to prioritize planting and caring for trees, strengthening the health and wellbeing of people and places. From the 42 communities in 16 states recognized that first year, the program has expanded to every state across the nation.
Mandan, North Dakota stands out as one of only 16 communities that has achieved Tree City USA recognition for all 50 years of the program. Mandan’s dedication to community improvement through trees is an amazing accomplishment! Congratulations and thank you for all the hard work and commitment. We hope to continue recognizing Mandan’s achievements over the next 50 years!”
Certain criteria must be met to qualify for the Tree City USA designation each year:
- adequate budget allocation for city forestry;
- a city tree ordinance;
- and a formal Arbor Day celebration each year.
Arbor Day. On May 1, the City of Mandan recognized Arbor Day in Dykshoorn Park by planting two trees with classes from Fort Lincoln Elementary School. Arbor Day in Mandan is typically held the first Friday in May. The tradition is to go to a local grade school and plant a tree with the students. A formal ceremony is held in conjunction with this planting, with city and state officials participating.
Boulevard Tree Planting Program. Since 2017, the City has seen 534 trees planted through its boulevard tree planting program. A program providing reimbursement for approved trees planted in the boulevard. Mandan residents or property owners should work with staff to apply for the program. Once the approved tree has been planted, and City staff has inspected the site, the resident or property-owner may be reimbursed for a portion of each tree. Reimbursement to the purchaser will be up to 100% of the price of the tree, up to $100 per tree. The limit is $300 per property for 2026, as funding permits.
With this being the 50th year as a Tree City USA, the City set a goal of at least 50 trees planted. As of the end of April, 29 have been planted. Learn more about the program at cityofmandan.com/trees.
Tree Inventory Project. In 2025, the City Commission approved a tree inventory project. With assistance from Moore Engineering, trees 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and larger were surveyed. Based on the survey, the City currently has 5,084 trees on City property or within the right-of-way. This information helps the City assess potential hazardous trees for removal, locate diseased trees or pests, and plan for future tree plantings and development. It also allows staff to be competitive with tree planting grant applications.
City staff will continue surveying trees 6 inches and smaller using planting program data and commercial requirements, updating the tree inventory along the way. The same process will apply for any tree removals.
The Mandan Forestry Division consists of the grounds maintenance superintendent and one full-time employee. Citizens may call the grounds maintenance superintendent for advice on trees problems at 701-667-3240 or visit cityofmandan.com/forestry.