The City of Washington has again qualified for the Tree City USA award. In order to qualify a city must have either a city forester or an active city tree board, have a tree ordinance, and spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program, and have a tree planting and maintenance plan. The City of Washington has worked to remove all ash trees from public spaces in the last two years.

The awards are presented on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This is the 30th year for the awards presentations, however the award luncheon was cancelled due to COVID-19.