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High Point earns 21st Tree City USA designation; city schedules Arbor Day tree giveaway
Summary
High Point received its 21st Tree City USA designation after meeting the program's four requirements. City officials and staff described recent and planned tree-planting projects, a memorial tree program and a complimentary tree giveaway for residents.
High Point announced it has received its 21st Tree City USA designation and will hold a city tree giveaway on March 22.
Amy McBride, senior planner in the Planning and Development Department, told the City Council that High Point met the four Tree City USA requirements: a tree board, a public tree ordinance, a community forestry program with annual per‑capita expenditures of at least $2, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. “This recognition signifies that our community values the important and practical role trees play in beautifying our city while also emphasizing responsible stewardship,” McBride said.
The urban forestry committee oversees the public tree ordinance and recent planting projects, McBride said. In December the city completed a neighborhood planting in the Emerywood area that installed 25 canopy and ornamental trees. The committee is studying additional neighborhoods for a fall planting and is collaborating with community groups including Keep High Point Beautiful and High Point University for future work.
McBride described the city’s Plant to Remember memorial tree program, which has grown since 2010 with 36 donated trees, and said last year the city hosted its inaugural Arbor Day tree giveaway. “We are excited to announce our second event scheduled for Saturday, March 22, to again offer residents the opportunity to receive a complimentary tree in honor of Arbor Day,” she said.
Mayor Cyril Jefferson thanked city staff and community partners for their work maintaining the urban canopy and noted multiple benefits of trees, including improved air quality and reduced stormwater runoff. The proclamation read at the meeting designates March 21, 2025, as Arbor Day for the city of High Point and encourages residents to participate in activities to preserve and enhance urban forests.
