Carmel was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its continued commitment to creating a community that places unique value on the planting and caring of trees. This marks the 29th year that Carmel has been recognized as a Tree City USA. Much of Carmel’s beauty is derived from street trees.
Carmel 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.
“We take pride in the beauty of our city and trees are a big reason our streetscapes for a pleasure to see,” Mayor Jim Brainard said. “It is important for growing suburban communities to preserve and consistently add to the number of trees in green spaces and along our streets whenever possible. Tree canopies play an important role in addressing climate change and keeping our community sustainable.”
The city’s Urban Forestry Program manages and maintains over 33,000 inventoried street trees. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, there are many benefits to planting trees in an urban space. Trees reduce energy costs up to 25 percent, which will ultimately help with the overall cooling of the city. Homes with trees have higher property values, while planting and maintaining trees absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change.
“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted by Carmel are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.”
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.