April 26, 2002

CITY HONORED AGAIN AS ‘TREE CITY USA’
SHADE TREE PROGRAM CONTINUES

RAHWAY, NJ – Mayor James Kennedy announced this week that the city has been named “Tree City USA” for 2001 by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

“More than ever, today we understand the importance of trees to our cities and towns,” said John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees help clean our air and water, moderate heat and cold, and bring warmth and grace to our homes. Tree City USA recognizes communities that have proven their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program. Such a program is one marked by renewal and improvement.”

Fresh on the heels of this award, Kennedy added that that city’s popular Shade Tree Program will once again be available for property owners who desire a shade tree in front of their home or business.

After a request is made by a property owner, the tree is delivered and planted in the narrow strip of grass that usually sits between the sidewalk and the curb along city streets, and the property owner receives an information packet on how to water and care for the new shade tree. There is no cost to the property owner for participation in this program.

To qualify, the property must have adequate room for the new tree to grow and thrive. Existing trees, unless they pose a danger to life, limb or property, cannot be removed and replaced with a new shade tree.

“We are presently planting trees from requests made by home and business owners last year and expect to plant some fifty trees this spring and summer,” said Kennedy. “And we will make our best efforts to honor every request this season. According to the U.S. Forestry Service, each shade tree can increase the value of a house by five or six percent, which averages over $5,000 in Rahway. We also know that streets without shade trees look sterile and unsightly, and that trees lower home energy costs by shielding homes from the summer sun, reducing reliance on air conditioning.”

For more information on the city’s Shade Tree Program, call the Department of Public Works at 827-2060.