Atlanta Ranked 3rd-Best U.S. City for Tree Huggers
ATLANTA — With its lush greenery and expansive urban canopy, Atlanta has officially earned its nickname “City in a Forest.” The city was just ranked third-best in the nation for tree huggers in Lawn Love’s 2025 rankings, highlighting its impressive climate, green infrastructure, and deep-rooted conservation efforts.
Atlanta’s Tree Canopy Makes It Stand Out
The study evaluated cities on three key factors: tree canopy coverage, urban tree infrastructure, and climate suitability. Atlanta ranked:
- 5th in climate
- 18th in tree canopy
- 21st in infrastructure
These scores combined to give Atlanta an overall score of 57.42, placing it just behind Columbus, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee on the national list.
Why Atlanta Deserves the ‘City in a Forest’ Title
The city’s green reputation isn’t just hype — it’s the result of active preservation and community efforts. Atlanta is home to several impactful conservation organizations, including:
- Trees Atlanta, which launched the One Million Trees Initiative, aiming to plant and protect a million trees across the metro area.
- The Atlanta Beltline Arboretum, an 85-acre greenway that showcases over 360 species of trees and shrubs.
- The Storza Woods and Conifer Garden located at the Atlanta Botanical Garden — both beloved spots for nature lovers and tourists alike.
Georgia Shines Overall in Tree-Hugger Rankings
Atlanta isn’t the only Georgia city to make waves in the 2025 list. Georgia dominated the rankings, with several other cities placing in the top 50:
- Athens (#5)
- South Fulton (#9)
- Roswell (#10)
- Sandy Springs (#13)
- Augusta (#23)
- Macon (#33)
- Johns Creek (#38)
- Savannah (#41)
This regional trend highlights the Southeast’s favorable climate and growing commitment to urban tree coverage.
Protecting the Forest Within the City
Local leaders and environmental advocates say Atlanta’s tree-focused culture is more than just symbolic — it’s an essential part of the city’s identity. As development increases, so do calls to protect remaining urban forests and increase canopy preservation through local ordinances and continued nonprofit partnerships.
Want to explore Atlanta’s green treasures yourself? Walk the Beltline, take in the diversity at the Botanical Garden, or volunteer with local conservation groups to help keep the city’s canopy thriving.
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