Lakewood Named Tree City USA For 44th Straight Year

LAKEWOOD, OH — The city of Lakewood has again been named a 2020 Tree City USA.

The Arbor Day Foundation gives the Tree City designation to municipalities that demonstrate their support for urban forestry. Lakewood was cited for its health and management of its tree canopy. This is the 44th straight year Lakewood has received the distinction.

“Maintaining a healthy urban forest is important for both our environment and our citizens. Trees directly negate the effects of climate change and help to improve air quality, which are important considerations in an urban community like Lakewood. I also appreciate the value trees bring to make our neighborhoods more beautiful, encourage outdoor activity, and improve the mental health and overall well-being of our residents," Mayor Meghan George said.

In Ohio, more than 240 cities received the Tree City USA resignation. Statewide there have been 25,649 trees planted and more than $43 million spent on urban forestry management since the program began.

“It’s an honor to be named a Tree City USA for the 44th year in a row. Lakewood is committed to maintaining and expanding our urban forest in a sustainable and equitable way that benefits everyone in our community. We all know how important trees are to the health of our world, and we are excited to continue this momentum and receive this distinction for years to come," said Roman Ducu, public works director.

The Arbor Day Foundation said cities must uphold four core standards to qualify for a Tree City designation: employing a Tree Department, establishing a Tree Care ordinance, maintaining a Community Forestry Program and organizing an annual Arbor Day observance.