Thanks to Shannon Suberbielle-Claussen, Woodcreek resident and Trees and Parks Board Secretary, for providing this new feature on one of Woodcreek’s most prized assets, our trees. We hope you find it both enjoyable and informational!
If you’ve noticed the signs around our neighborhood, you know that Woodcreek is officially recognized as a Tree City USA. True to our name, we’re home to an impressive number of trees—especially live oaks—and we’re darn proud of the beautiful canopy they provide. So, what does it mean to have an actual designation as a Tree City USA?
Well, the Arbor Day Foundation founded Tree City USA (a national recognition) back in 1976 as a way to recognize communities of all sizes throughout the United States that are committed to protecting and nurturing their population of trees and green spaces.
Beginning in 2023, Woodcreek was designated as a Tree City by meeting specific requirements that ensure the city has a viable tree management program, prioritizing its green canopy. As we all know, it’s the trees that really make our neighborhood beautiful!
Woodcreek is proud of our status as a Tree City USA and continues to meet and exceed these standards:
STANDARD 1: A TREE BOARD OR DEPARTMENT
“Establishing authority and responsibility over public tree care decisions helps community officials and leaders determine who is responsible for public tree work. The public will also know who is accountable for decisions that impact community trees. Involving residents and business owners creates wide awareness of what trees do for the community and provides broad support for better tree care.”
STANDARD 2: A PUBLIC TREE CARE ORDINANCE
“Tree ordinances, and other legally enforceable policies, guide communities in the proper care, establishment, conservation, protection and maintenance of community trees and forests. Codified and enforced ordinances help communities maximize the benefits of community trees, creating more livable communities.
The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes the complexity of developing an ordinance in the diverse legal, cultural, and political landscape of communities. Standard 2 is intentionally broad to allow communities of all sizes to participate in the Tree City USA program.”
STANDARD 3: ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF $2 PER CAPITA ON COMMUNITY TREE CARE ACTIVITIES
Budgets and expenditures require planning and accountability, which are fundamental to the long-term health of community trees and community forestry programs.
By providing support at or above the $2 per capita minimum, a community demonstrates its commitment to community trees and forests as valuable public assets.
STANDARD 4: AN ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCE AND PROCLAMATION
To generate excitement, publicity, and educate community members about the value of trees, the importance of tree care, fire prevention, conversation, and other community tree and forest topics.
Gain the support for the community tree program from public officials by passing and reciting an official Arbor Day proclamation.
Our public spaces -- including Augusta Park, Triangle Park, and Creekside Park -- are the focus of the Trees and Parks Board of Woodcreek. Thanks to that board and others in our community, we host an annual Tree Giveaway in November, an Arbor Day Celebration in April, and other educational events and celebrations throughout the year for Woodcreek residents to enjoy.
Together, these efforts ensure that Woodcreek not only preserves its beautiful tree canopy but also fosters a stronger sense of community pride that comes with it. By continuing to invest in our green spaces, we’re building a healthier, more vibrant future for generations to come.