Maitland City Talk

Maitland receives Tree City USA designation for fifth year in a row

On March 20, the city of Maitland received its five-year anniversary award as a Tree City USA community. The Tree City USA program is a national program that provides the framework for community forestry management for cities and towns across America. To qualify for the designation, which must be renewed annually, a community must have a department overseeing its trees, an annual budget supporting a comprehensive tree management program, a tree ordinance, and an Arbor Day observance. The city of Maitland has met all four of these standards. The county and state foresters reviewed the city’s comprehensive tree program and recommended the designation as a Tree City USA community to the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Arbor Day in Maitland

National Arbor Day has been set aside as a day to celebrate and take notice of the benefits of trees. On Arbor Day, we as a community celebrate our tree canopy graciously planted by our forefathers and in some cases by ourselves.

Trees not only shade our streets, they provide stormwater mitigation, conserve energy, and studies have shown they enhance property values, too. Trees are planted; they grow to a ripe old age, and are removed when their life cycle is complete. This is a dynamic process requiring new trees to be planted to replace the ones removed. This ensures that generations to come will enjoy the benefit of our city’s trees.

On Sunday, April 26, the city of Maitland Public Works Department will celebrate Arbor Day by giving a tree to residents to plant on their property. The tree giveaway will be held at the Maitland Farmers Market at Lake Lily Park from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The tree giveaway will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will require proof of residency in the city of Maitland either by photo ID or copy of a utility bill. There will be a variety of shade, understory, and flowering trees available for the giveaway. There is a limit of one tree per household. Delivery of the tree can be provided, if needed, at a later date. The installation of the tree on their property will be the resident’s responsibility. Information on planting, watering, and correct pruning techniques will also be provided at the event. Come celebrate Arbor Day and plant a tree!

Reminder: Free CPR training offered by the Fire Rescue Department

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department will offer a free class on adult, child, and infant CPR, AED training, and choking emergencies.

The class will be held on Thursday, April 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. at City Council Chambers at 1776 Independence Lane. To register, call 407-539-6226 or email [email protected]. The next class will be offered in the fall of 2015. Our family helping yours – whatever it takes.