Parsippany Named 'Tree City' For 46th Year, Tying New Jersey Record

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Somebody merely driving through or shopping in Parsippany might only know the town for its highways and businesses. But the Arbor Day Foundation sees the township differently, awarding Parsippany with "Tree City USA" status for the 46th year — tying a state record.

The Tree City USA program requires four components: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance or proclamation.

More than 100 New Jersey cities and towns have earned the designation. Some have been "Tree Cities" for decades and others only for a few years or less. Parsippany and Paramus are the only two New Jersey municipalities to earn the honor for 46 years — since the Arbor Day Foundation began awarding "Tree City" statuses in 1976.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

"Tree City USA communities benefit from the positive effects that an urban tree canopy has year after year," said Dan Lambe, the foundation's chief executive. "The trees being planted and care for by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township ensure that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life."

The 150th Arbor Day holiday is Friday. Parsippany will hold an Arbor Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday at Town Hall. A free seedling giveaway will also begin at noon Friday at the Parks & Forestry facility (1 Knoll Dr., Lake Hiawatha). Read more: Parsippany To Celebrate Arbor Day With Free Tree Seedling Giveaway

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