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Tree Friendly Community

Delaware Tree Friendly recognizes communities that protect and enhance their urban forests.
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Delaware’s Tree Friendly Community Program honors communities and homeowner associations that are committed to protecting and enhancing our state’s urban forest resources. Delaware currently has 21 communities that are certified as “Tree Friendly.”

To see if your community qualifies as a Delaware Tree Friendly Community, please email the completed application to the Delaware Urban and Community Forestry Program.

The final day to apply is September 1, 2023. Applications will be reviewed by the U&CF Council and DFS Staff. Communities that qualify will receive a letter of acceptance in October 2023.

Communities will receive a complimentary sign to display publicly that they are committed to maintaining their forest resources and our state’s environment. This certification is effective for two years, after which it can be renewed. Applications submitted on odd years will be required to recertify the following year and every two years after to maintain a Tree Friendly Community Status.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Delaware Urban and Community Forestry Program.

Download a  Tree Friendly Application

To qualify as a Tree Friendly Community, you must have fulfilled (3) of the following:

  • Performed an annual ceremony to promote your community’s and our state’s urban forest resources. This may be an Arbor Day, Earth Day, or another community ceremony that educates the public and promotes the importance of trees within your community.
  • Conducted a tree project within your community that enhances existing urban forest resources. This can include planting trees within a community-owned open space, pruning of community-owned street trees, or a similar project that demonstrates a commitment to maintaining your community’s existing urban forest resources.
  • Developed a community forestry management plan in cooperation with the Delaware Forest Service U&CF Program. Management plans should guide the management of urban forestry resources for at least a five-year period.
  • Developed a community tree ordinance that protects trees.
  • Formulated a tree commission or tree board that serves as the guiding body for tree related decisions throughout the community.
  • Had a tree budget of $1 per household for residential communities.

Tree Friendly Communities

CommunityCountyLevel
AlapocasNew CastleGold
FairthorneNew CastleSilver
TavistockNew CastlePlatinum
The Village of Fox MeadowsNew CastleBronze
Westover Hills ANew CastlePlatinum
Westover Hills CNew CastlePlatinum
Champions ClubKentSilver
Coastal Club of LewesSussexBronze
Lewes CrossingSussexBronze
Nassau GroveSussexBronze
Savannahs LandingSussexBronze
Sawgrass CommunitySussexBronze
Bayside – Tunnell CommunitySussexGold
Baywood – Tunnell CommunitySussexGold
Creekside – Tunnell CommunitySussexGold
Coveside – Tunnell CommunitySussexGold
Dockside – Tunnell CommunitySussexGold
Lakeside – Tunnell CommunitySussexGold
Seaside – Tunnell CommunitySussexGold
Village of CinderberrySussexBronze
Meadows – Villages of Old LandingSussexSilver