Tree City USA provides the framework for community forestry management in cities and towns nationwide that meet certain requirements, including the establishment of a tree board or department, a community tree ordinance, specific spending levels for urban forestry and planned Arbor Day celebrations. There are 155 Tree Cities USA in Georgia, and nearly 30 percent of the state’s population lives in a Tree City. Nationwide, more than 3,400 Tree City USA communities serve as home to about 135 million Americans.
“Trees connect all of us,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Chuck Williams. “Trees clean our air, filter our water, spur economic growth and provide countless opportunities to enjoy recreation, contributing to a better quality of life. Citizens in Tree Cities USA can be proud of their community leaders’ commitment to trees and forested land – on Arbor Day and every other day of the year.”
Due to Georgia’s ideal winter tree planting season, the third Friday in February is designated annually as Arbor Day in Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp will sign a proclamation naming February 15 as Arbor Day in Georgia for 2019.
For more information about Georgia’s trees and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit www.GaTrees.org.
For information about becoming a Tree City USA and the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org.
For information on City of Norcross as a Tree City, contact the Norcross Tree Board at sustainable@norcrossga.net.
