RADFORD – The City of Radford has again been named a 2021 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Radford achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
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.
“Trees help make our lives better in Radford, not just through their beauty but by helping enhance our environment in many ways and keeping our community green and sustainable,” said Radford Mayor David Horton. “I am thankful to the Radford Commission on Beautification and Municipal Forestry, the city horticulturist, and the entire Radford team who does the hard work to help us qualify as a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA.”
City officials say planting trees in urban space comes with a myriad of benefits past the recognition of this program. Urban tree plantings help reduce energy consumption by up to 25%, which will reduce general energy costs and help with the overall cooling of the city as well. In addition, members of the community benefit from properly placed trees as they increase property values from 7 to 20%. Trees also positively affect the local ecosystem by helping to clean water and create animal habitats to encourage biodiversity.
“The City of Radford is honored to be recognized as a Tree City USA once again,” said Nick Lancaster, Radford’s horticulturist. “We planted dozens of trees on public property in 2021, including over 50 new trees on Sundell Drive alone. Our goal is to continue these efforts in 2022 and to engage our citizens in the plantings, so be on the lookout for tree care education resources and information about how you can get involved.”
“Tree City USA communities benefit from the positive effects that an urban tree canopy has year after year,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Radford ensure that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”
For more information on the program visit: arborday.org/TreeCityUS
