Why do some towns seek designation as a “Tree City USA”?
• when applying for grant money for tree and environmental projects, the town with the Tree City designation often gets preference; • Obtaining the designation puts a town in contact with professionals at the state and national levels, who provide materials and expertise at no cost; • The designation encourages citizens to take pride in their town, and the environment generally; • It shows visitors and prospective homeowners that the town values its appearance; • The designation improves property values. Towns in our area that have sought and won “Tree City USA” designation include Allendale (10 years), Fair Lawn (4 years), Glen Rock (15 years), Hawthorne (16 years), Hohokus (6 years), Ramsey (12 years), Ridgewood (16 years), and Upper Saddle River (4 years). What are the requirements to become a “Tree City USA”? There are four basic criteria: • A Shade Tree Commission, which Wyckoff already has. • Establish a tree care ordinance. This ordinance would establish the policy for planting,
