HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2010-04-20 Tree City USA
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jay Banks, Urban Forester
jbanks@leesburgva.gov
703‐771‐2713
Leesburg Receives Tree City USA Growth Award
Town named a “Tree City USA” for 21st Year
Leesburg, VA (April 20, 2010) – The National Arbor Day Foundation has bestowed a Tree City
USA Growth Award on the Town of Leesburg for demonstrating progress in its community
forestry program. The prestigious Growth Award honors environmental improvement and
higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.
In recognizing Leesburg with the Growth Award, the Arbor Day Foundation cited in particular
the Town’s improved tree care ordinance and annual tree care workshop. In 2009, Article 12 of
the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance, which covers landscaping requirements, was updated with new
tree planting and protection standards. The new standards took effect on January 1, 2010. As
part of their education and outreach efforts, the Tree Commission sponsors an annual “HOA
Tree Care Summit” that educates homeowners association representatives on best practices for
the care of trees planted in HOA common areas.
The Foundation also named the Town as a “Tree City USA” for the 21st straight year. A
community must meet four standards to be designated as a Tree City USA: the community
must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community
forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Communities that are honored with a Tree City USA designation and a Growth Award make a
commitment to planting and caring for trees, and we applaud their efforts,” said John Rosenow,
chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation.
The Town of Leesburg celebrated Arbor Day 2010 on April 17, 2010 at the Flower & Garden
Festival, with Mayor Kristen Umstattd officially receiving the Tree City USA award from Virginia
District Forester Bryant Bays. The Town also planted a new hackberry tree at the Town’s
Utilities Lines Maintenance Building as part of this year’s Arbor Day observance.
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