Tree Planting to benefit neighborhoods

In an effort to continue to beautify and prepare our neighborhoods for the spring and summer months, Mayor DeMaria, the Department of Public Works and the Office of Planning and Development recently coordinated the planting of trees across the City. Every dollar spent on planting and caring for a community tree yields benefits that are two to five times the investment. These benefits include cleaner air, lower energy costs, improved water quality and storm water control and increased property values. Among minor crimes, there is less graffiti, vandalism, and littering in outdoor spaces with trees as a part of the natural landscape than in comparable plant- less spaces.  

Mayor DeMaria stated, “Trees enhance the economic vitality of our city, increase property values, and beauty our community. With this week’s plantings I hope we all recognize by planting the value of trees to our quality of life.  

City Services has begun its continued tree planting efforts for neighborhoods and streets throughout the City. New trees, some to replace ones lost in storms and some that are long overdue additions, will be planted in several neighborhoods. Thus far crews have planted 39 trees and will plant 60 more throughout the City. This does not include the new trees to be planted on the newly renovated streets that are scheduled to be done in the upcoming months.