SALEM — Salem was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management.
Salem has been designated this each year since 2001, and achieved the Tree City USA designation by meeting the program’s four requirements, which include a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least two dollars per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Salem is committed to our public trees as a critical part of our climate action strategy, our beautification efforts, and our historic legacy as a green city,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “I am so grateful to the work of our Tree Commission, our Tree Department, and the many community partners and volunteers who make this important work – and the continuation of our Tree City USA designation – all possible.”
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.
Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, said Tree City USA communities benefit from the positive effects that an urban tree canopy has year after year.
“The trees being planted and cared for by Salem ensure that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life,” Lambe said. “Additionally, participation in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”
Urban tree plantings help reduce energy consumption by up to 25 percent and can reduce temperatures on sidewalks by almost ten degrees.
Leaves on trees absorb rainfall to decrease floods of water on streets during severe storms and remove pollutants from the air, improving the health of residents.
Chair of the Salem Tree Commission, Darleen Melis, said the idea that as many residents as possible should plant and take care of trees is gaining momentum in Salem.
“We are gratified to have our past accomplishments in increasing the tree canopy noticed by the Arbor Day Foundation,” Melis said. “We also have the attention of the Commonwealth, in the form of the 2,400 trees that will be planted in our community, thanks to the Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP). Already over 400 trees have been planted as we now launch the spring planting season.”
To request free trees in Salem, visit the Salem Tree Commission website at www.salemma.gov/tree-commission.
In the “Quick Links” box, click the link to the GGCP website where residents can check the program’s planting zone map to see whether they are eligible to have a free tree planted for them on their property.
Another link connects to the Salem SeeClickFix service request tool, for residents who want to request a street tree in their neighborhood.
More information about the Tree City USA program can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
