Chesterfield receives Tree City USA Award for its 20th consecutive year

The City of Chesterfield, Missouri was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management on April 7, 2017 for the 20th consecutive year.

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.

Chesterfield achieved Tree City USA recognition by 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.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Chesterfield make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

The  was also presented with Growth Award for 15th consecutive year for its EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) Plan. The scope and impacts of the EAB infestation will be immense, and the removal of these trees will have a dramatic visual impact within many of our neighborhoods.  The Residential Street Tree Program is available to assist residents who wish to replant trees that have been removed due to Emerald Ash Borer. For more information about this program, visit http://www.chesterfield.mo.us/residential-street-tree.html.