Arlington Named Tree City USA for 10th Year

The following is from the Town of Arlington.

The Arbor Day Foundation recently announced that Arlington was named a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry.

It is the 10th year Arlington has earned this national honor from the Arbor Day Foundation, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees.

“We all benefit when communities like Arlington place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation’s most beautiful resources,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our neighborhoods, and they also provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. We applaud Arlington’s elected officials, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest.”

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

“We are pleased that Arlington has again been recognized by Tree City USA,” said Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine. “We can thank the collaborative efforts of our Public Works Department, the Arlington Tree Committee, and many residents who meet the challenge of caring for the Town’s aging trees and the planting of new trees.”

Arlington has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:

• Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.

• Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife.

• Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings.

• Reduce energy use and increase property values.

More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.