Simpsonville is 1 of 48 municipalities out of 271 in the state with the distinction
Simpsonville, S.C. — The City of Simpsonville was recognized at the September 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting for earning the designation of a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Forest Management Chief for the S.C. Forestry Commission Russell Hubright presented a plaque to Simpsonville City Council on Sept. 23, 2025 in Council Chambers for doing what Mr. Hubright said “is no easy thing:” obtaining the distinction of Tree City USA, which only 48 municipalities out of 271 in the state can boast. Councilman Lou Hutchings of Ward 6 played a significant role in the achievement.
“It has been my goal now for several years that the City of Simpsonville achieve the Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA designation,” Mr. Hutchings said after the meeting. “With development displacing trees in the Golden Strip and throughout Greenville County, I believe that it is critical to our quality of life in Simpsonville that we make a commitment to preserving and restoring as much of our forests as possible.”
Tree City USA is an annual national recognition program designed to raise awareness of the value of community trees, set foundational standards for communities of all sizes and celebrate community improvement, the Arbor Day Foundation said on arborday.org. So far there are 3,587 Tree Cities out of nearly 20,000 total cities and towns in the United States.
Simpsonville Public Works Director Andy West also played a critical role in earning the Tree City USA designation. As the City’s own certified arborist, West’s leadership role in Public Works shows that the Tree City USA designation is both a signifier of and continuing motivator for the high value placed by the City on preserving and replacing trees.
The City will also receive Tree City USA signage.
