City officials marked Concord’s Arbor Day by planting trees at Dorton Park, which recently underwent renovations. Although the national observance of Arbor Day takes place in spring, city leaders noted that autumn is a better season for tree planting in Concord. Mayor Bill Dusch and City Manager Lloyd Payne participated in the event by planting several types of oak trees, including Southern Live Oak and Nuttall Oak.
According to city representatives, maintaining a healthy tree canopy remains a priority as Concord continues to grow rapidly. The city is focused on adding more trees to public property as part of its urban development strategy and efforts to improve parks and greenways.
Concord has received recognition for its urban forestry work, earning its sixth consecutive Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. In addition, the city was awarded the Tree City USA Growth Award for effective management of its urban forest. The Growth Award acknowledges cities that show environmental improvement and higher standards of tree care.
To qualify for Tree City USA status, Concord met four main requirements: establishing a tree conservation board or department; enacting a tree care ordinance; maintaining an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per resident; and holding an Arbor Day celebration with an official proclamation.
The city also encourages residents to participate in maintaining the local tree canopy through programs such as Memorial Tree Program and Energy Saving Trees program. Through partnerships with All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Carolina Power Partners, and the Arbor Day Foundation, 300 free trees are distributed annually to homeowners who are customers of the City of Concord Electric Systems. The Memorial Tree Program allows residents to purchase trees planted on public land in honor or memory of individuals or special occasions.
Officials emphasized that strategic tree planting benefits neighborhoods by improving air and water quality, managing stormwater runoff, and potentially reducing household energy costs by up to 20 percent.
“Planting the right trees in the right place at the right time not only enhance the appearance of Concord’s neighborhoods and parks, but also help improve air and water quality, manage storm water runoff, and can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by up to 20 percent,” according to city officials.
