To celebrate another year of being designated a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation, the City of Hinesville and the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority created an orchard and planted several trees at Bryant Commons Park on Feb. 27.
The City of Hinesville has earned and maintained the Tree City USA designation since 1988, according to a press release issued by the City.
Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown said the Morning Glory Garden Club and Keep Liberty Beautiful has helped the City retain their Tree City USA designation by maintaining several gardens throughout the City.
“They’re proud of it,” he said. “We’re proud of it. We are in a fairly exclusive group within our state.”
In a press release the Mayor added, “Residents and visitors alike always express awe and appreciation for our expansive tree canopy here in Hinesville. From towering pines to majestic oaks, trees have a way of feeding the soul and rooting a community. We take tremendous pride in being named as a Tree City USA.”
According to a City press release there are four standards that must be met to become a Tree City USA community: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance. In addition to these items, the City of Hinesville encourages the maintenance and growth of the local canopy in a variety of ways.
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.
HDDA Executive Director Michelle Ricketson said bad weather postponed their original planting day which varies from City to City based on perfect planting conditions within various zones across the nation. She said despite the delay the weather was perfect for planting on Feb. 27 where they planted four varieties of oranges, a few lemon and lime trees all for the benefit of the people and wildlife to enjoy.
Ricketson said they had several community partners assist in the event.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact that an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Hinesville are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.”
At the tree planting event Mayor Brown proclaimed February 14-21, 2021 as Arbor Day Week in Hinesville.