SALISBURY — The city of Salisbury has been named a 2015 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 30th consecutive year in honor of the city’s 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. Salisbury is one of only 3,400 Tree City USA designations.

Salisbury achieved the 2015 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

·      An Arbor Day observance and proclamation

“We are more than honored to be recognized for our commitment to Salisbury’s urban forestry,” said Mark Martin, Salisbury arborist and downtown landscape coordinator. “This award doesn’t only mean that we care for our trees. It means that we specifically care for our trees. The fact that we have received this award for 30 years in a row, speaks volumes about our staff and the tree board’s dedication to planting, documenting and maintaining Salisbury’s trees. As a result of our efforts, our residents and visitors are able to enjoy trees in our locality that date back to the Civil War.”

“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 sense a 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 other benefits.

For more information on the program, visit arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.