Oakland named a Tree City USA

The Arbor Day Foundation bestowed the honor for a 17th year in a row.

By Amy Quesinberry
| 4:29 p.m. February 5, 2020

West Orange Times & Observer
News

For the 17th year, the town of Oakland has been named a 2019 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Oakland achieved Tree City USA 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 and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The town far exceeds these standards, and also requires developers to replace trees during construction.

In 2019, staff oversaw the installation of more than 300 trees throughout town, including live oaks along West Hull Avenue.

“The trees being planted and cared for by Oakland are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life…,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Residents of Oakland should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority.”

With Tree City USA recognition, Oakland has demonstrated a commitment to doing its part to help address these challenges for Oakland residents now and in the future.

author

Amy Quesinberry

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.