For year 2017, the City of Glendale received its 10th Growth Award by the National Arbor Day Foundation, which distinguishes Glendale as a Sterling Tree City USA; this makes Glendale one of only 14 cities in the State of California with that designation. Sterling communities are regarded as leaders in community forestry and are looked upon as innovators.

The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the National Arbor Day Foundation to recognize higher levels of tree care by participating Tree City USA communities. The City of Glendale earned the Growth Award this year for its active involvement in the street tree locations and species selection for several large street improvement projects, and for formally approving the updated Urban Forest Management Plan.