The City of Arlington is celebrating 25 consecutive years of being designated a Tree City USA community.
The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides guidance, technical assistance, public awareness and national recognition to urban and community forestry programs in thousands of cities and towns that millions of Americans call home.
Arlington is one of more than 3,500 communities nationwide participating in the Tree City USA program. The city strives to protect and strengthen its urban tree canopy through strategic initiatives and annual community outreach events and first received the Tree City USA designation in 1999.
A 2020 study found an average of 70.4 trees per acre in Arlington’s parks and natural areas, with 48 unique tree species identified in the study.
“Trees add so much to Arlington’s character, creating beautiful neighborhoods and parks that make our community proud, and providing shade that helps our residents and business owners save on energy costs,” said Wendy Pappas, Urban Forestry Land Manager for Arlington Parks and Recreation. “We are proud of our long-standing designation as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation and will continue to work with our residents, businesses and developers to protect and increase our urban tree canopy.”
A thriving urban forest offers many benefits, including:
- Trees help absorb 40% of traffic noise in urban areas.
- In neighborhoods with trees it is seven to nine degrees cooler than in those without.
- Trees reduce energy costs by up to 25% by providing shade and protection from winter winds.
- Houses with trees have a higher property value.
- Green spaces play an important role in improving mental and physical health.
Click here to visit the Tree City USA website.
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