90 Trees Planted Around Madison Borough

MADISON, NJ — Trees play an important role in urban environments, providing shade during the summer heat, improving air quality and filtering and retaining stormwater.

As part of the annual tree planting initiative, 90 trees are being planted throughout Madison this week. The plantings are intended to "help us add to our tree canopy, which helps in reducing summer peak temperatures and air pollution," according to borough officials.

The Arbor Day Foundation named Madison Borough "Tree City USA" for the 37th year in a row in recognition of its dedication to effective urban forest management, and officials believe initiatives such as tree planting have contributed to the recognition.

Madison received the recognition through meeting the program's four requirements — a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Green infrastructure that is well-planned and managed in a city can help to mitigate some of the negative impacts and social consequences of urbanization, making cities more socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable.