City of Rehoboth Beach Tree City USA designation continues to flourish

March 19, 2025

For the 34th year in a row, the City of Rehoboth Beach has been designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree City USA recognizes municipalities that are committed to planting and preserving trees through city policy and community efforts.

While recognized for this achievement for many consecutive years, Rehoboth Beach is still making strides in its environmental efforts. This year, the city received a $5,000 Delaware Department of Agriculture grant to remove invasive species from public property. As part of this grant, three invasive Bradford Pear trees will be removed at the Silver Lake tot lot; in its place, five River Birch trees will be planted. The Bradford Pears are overgrown to the area, while the planned River Birches maintain the shady canopy but with smaller branch sizes, City Arborist Michael Lilly says.

Additionally, the city is in the process of planting additional street trees on Delaware Avenue. The city is selective about the types of trees used for these efforts to ensure that they are safe to the surrounding environment and will thrive in years to come, Lilly notes.

“Keeping our city’s tree canopy flourishing and vibrant can be challenging at times. But what’s great is people in the community love the trees,” Lilly adds.

In celebration of its urban forest, the City of Rehoboth Beach is commemorating Arbor Day in conjunction with Rehoboth Beach Elementary School on Thursday, April 17. Students and staff members will learn about the importance of trees and participate in planting efforts.