The City of Placentia was named 2020 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Placentia achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: establishment of a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, implementing an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“We are honored to be recognized for the first time as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation and plan to continue making planting trees a priority in Placentia,” said Placentia Mayor Craig Green. “In addition to making the City look more attractive, trees help improve air quality and contribute to the quality of life for Placentia residents.”
“The City Council adopted its first Urban Forest Management Program in 2019 to protect, preserve and manage the City’s trees,” said Placentia City Administrator Damien R. Arrula. “Recognizing the value and benefits provided to the community by Placentia’s Urban Forest, the City made its adopted Urban Forest Management Program into an ordinance to ensure that City trees would be prudently protected and managed for generations to come.”
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers, and committed citizens in communities like Placentia make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits.”
With the designation of becoming a Tree City USA residents will begin to see new signs installed throughout the City’s entry points recognizing this notable designation.
Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, and remove air pollutants, among many other benefits. More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available on arborday.org.