Tree Line USA recognizes utilities that follow practices that protect and enhance urban forests. Tree City USA is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. For more information and an application, see www.arborday.org.

Requirements for recognition are:

1. Quality tree care. Work practices must be adopted for pruning that avoid topping, tipping, removing branch collars, and leaving stubs; and for trenching, and tunneling that reduce injury to trees and their roots.
2. Annual worker training for all employees, contract workers, and supervisors who do pruning or trenching/tunneling work for the utility. An arborist, forester, or other trained utility employee ensures that workers are trained and proper work practices followed.
3. Tree planting and public education. An ongoing tree-planting program funded at a suggested annual amount of 10 cents per customer. Mailings to customers with information on appropriate tree species for planting near utility lines, creating energy-efficient landscapes, and tree pruning tips. An annual Arbor Day event sponsored by the utility.

The Tree Lines USA in Alaska are Chugach Electric Association, Golden Valley Electric Association, and Matanuska Electric Association.

Golden Valley Electric customers line up for free seedlings distributed by the utility on Arbor Day.