Nashville Earns Top Spot for Tree Lovers Nationwide

Music City is for tree lovers! Nashville has just been named the “Best City for Tree Huggers.”

How Nashville Earned the Top Ranking

According to a new nationwide study from Lawn Love, the Tennessee city has earned the top spot among 500 U.S. cities thanks to its impressive urban forest. The ranking is based on 14 factors, including tree canopy coverage, total canopy size, access to gardens and arboretums, and participation in urban tree initiatives.

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Nashville’s Urban Forest by the Numbers

With a remarkable 57% tree canopy coverage, Nashville is home to more than double the national average of 26%. That means over half of the city is shaded by trees. The extra foliage provides cooler streets, cleaner air, and a more beautiful environment. In terms of total canopy size, Nashville leads the nation with more than 270 square miles of forested space.

Commitment to Tree Care and Preservation

Lawn Love’s analysis also dove into the cities' commitments to tree care and preservation, and Nashville scored high for that, too. As a designated Tree City USA community, Nashville has demonstrated long-term dedication to maintaining and growing its urban forest. Access to multiple arboretums and a strong network of local tree programs further solidified its top ranking.

READ MORE: 10 Things to Do in Nashville If You Don't Drink

Why Trees Matter in Urban Areas

As it turns out, tree canopy isn’t just about scenery. Studies show that more trees in urban areas can lower summer temperatures. It can also reduce stormwater run-off and even improve mental health. It's clear that Nashville is doing a great job balancing development with preservation.

Next time you visit Nashville, stop to enjoy a local park or visit one of the city's gardens. It will be easy to see why Nashville has officially been named the best city in the country for tree huggers.