The city of Hinesville was recently named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lamber, 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."

Hinesville achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements:

1. A tree board or department, meaning someone must be legally responsible for the care of all trees on city or town-owned property

2. A tree-care ordinance

3. An annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita

4. An Arbor Day observance and proclamation

The foundation says trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the appearance of neighborhoods, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

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