1:15 pm, Friday, May 2
Tremont Elementary School

The positive impact that trees have on our communities is far-reaching. They add beauty to our neighborhoods and public spaces, naturally filter pollutants from the air, provide cooling shade during the hottest days of summer, and foster a deeper connection to the environment—ultimately supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.

One of the driving forces behind local tree stewardship is the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program. This initiative offers a proven four-step framework to help cities grow and care for their urban forests: forming a tree board or department, adopting a tree care ordinance, investing at least $2 per resident annually in urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day with a public event or educational campaign. Upper Arlington’s commitment to trees is visible throughout the community, and it’s part of the reason why the city has been recognized as a Tree City USA each year since 1990.

The City’s Parks & Forestry Division is responsible for managing and maintaining the community’s public trees—those found along streets, in parks, and at public facilities—with support from the City Tree Commission, a group of resident volunteers who help guide forestry efforts. Each year, the division also coordinates an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony as part of its ongoing commitment to urban forestry.

This year’s Arbor Day tree planting ceremony will be held at 1:15 pm on Friday, May 2 at Tremont Elementary School. As part of the celebration, three Honeylocust trees will be planted with the help of 120 Tremont Elementary students.

They’ll be joined by members of the Kiwanis Club of Northwest Columbus, representatives from City Council, the City Tree Commission, and City staff. Community members are warmly invited to attend and take part in this annual tradition honoring the value of trees in our neighborhoods.

For more on the City’s urban forestry program, click here.