Woodstock Earns Tree City USA Designation

WOODSTOCK, GA -- For the 17th year, the city of Woodstock was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Woodstock achieved the recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

In celebration of Arbor Day, the city will be giving away 876 Crepe Myrtle and Dogwood Tree seedlings on Friday, Feb. 17.

A free booklet with important tree care information will also be available. This includes caring for and planting trees, pruning existing trees, and current water restrictions.

Seedlings and tree care guides can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at the following locations:

• Magnolia Hall (behind the Magnolia Thomas Restaurant), 108 Arnold Mill Road Bldg C;
• Woodstock City Annex, 12453 Highway 92;
• Woodstock Visitor Center at Dean's Store, 8588 Main Street; and
• William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road.

Additionally, Woodstock will also recognize the following city employees who celebrate 20 years of service this year by planting a tree in their honor: Fire Department staff officer Bobby Stilson and fire Sgt. Torre Walker.

More information on the Tree City USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

Image via Patch