FREEHOLD – The National Arbor Day Foundation has once again designated Monmouth County as a Tree City USA in recognition of the county’s ongoing community forestry program.

 

In addition, the county received the Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program in the following areas:

• Education and public relations
• Tree-worker safety program
• Continuing education for tree managers
• Tree care workshop

“The prestigious Growth Award recognized environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities,” said John W. Tobia, director of the county’s Department of Public Works & Engineering, which comprises the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission.

 

The county’s community forestry program is rooted in the Shade Tree Commission, which is responsible for overseeing care and maintenance of the county’s many trees. The commission comprises five appointed voluntary members and employs a full compliment of 32 staff.

 

Monmouth County was the first county in the state and only the 17th in the country to receive a Tree City USA designation last year.   

 

“We are delighted to once again receive the Tree City USA designation,” Freeholder William C. Barham said.

 

“The county’s beauty is evident in our county parks, public gardens and arboretum. We share this award with residents in all 53 municipalities, because they also pride themselves in their local parks, well-manicured gardens and tree-lined streets.”

 

The Tree City USA program, sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities that more than 93 million Americans call home.

 

Gaining Tree City USA recognition is an award to the tree workers, managers, volunteers, tree board members and others who work on behalf of better care of a community’s trees.

 
The Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission plants many trees, plants or shrubs per year, which improve the visual aesthetics of the county’s roadways. Workers also survey and remove hazardous trees and prune thousands of others. The staff also provides technical information to municipalities on proper tree selection, placement and care.
 
 “Residents, too, can take pride in the fact that Monmouth County is a Tree City USA destination,” Barham added. “Being a Tree City USA helps present the kind of image that most people  want to have for the place they call home.”

 

 

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