Tree City USA

In 2008, the Village of Palmetto Bay pursued a program that sought to increase the tree canopy within the community. The desire was to reduce the heat island affect, promote the greening of the village, and improve the overall aesthetic of the village. The initiatives resulted in the village being designated a Tree City USA 2008, a designation still held by the village.

Implementation Process

In order to be recognized as a Tree City, the Village of Palmetto Bay complied with the four standards established by the National Arbor Day Foundation:

• Development of a Tree Advisory Board.
• Implementation of a Tree Care Ordinance.
• Allocation in the annual budget of at least $2 per capita, based on the population of the community.
• Annual Arbor Day observation and proclamation.

The village submitted its application for the community to be recognized as a Tree City USA in 2009, having achieved the standards set forth by the National Arbor Day Foundation. A tree board consisting of concerned volunteer citizens was commissioned and established in February 2009 through a resolution. A tree ordinance was established on January 16, 2009.

The third Friday in January is the Village of Palmetto Bay Arbor Day. The Tree Advisory Board members assist with organizing this celebration every year. The Village of Palmetto Bay enjoys the designation of Tree City USA given by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Tree City USA is a symbol of how important trees are to the community and a recognized standard of an effective community forestry program. 

Implementation Timeline

The village began the development of its Street Tree Master Plan in 2006 and commenced implementing the landscape plan improvements in 2007. The village allocates funding in the annual budget to meet the mandatory $2 per capita standard. The initiative is ongoing on an annual basis so the community may continue to be recertified as a Tree City USA community.

Implementation Funding

Special Revenue – New Local Obligation Gas Tax

Community Benefits

Annual participation as a Tree City USA community provides the opportunity for the village to educate people about the value of tree resources and the importance of sustainable tree management. It also engages individuals and organizations in advancing tree planting and care across the community. Annual recognition shows visitors and prospective residents that trees, conservation, and the environment are an important part of life in the village.

Pride in public trees has also resulted in residents being more engaged and therefore proactively taking better care of new and existing trees on private property. Recognition has also generated interest from other organizations and communities that aren’t yet managing their trees as well as they might. Tree Advisory boards, parks departments, public works, garden club members, and volunteers alike are recognized for the valuable work they provide to the village through the sustainable tree management program.