Medford Celebrates Arbor Day

| May 2, 2013 | City Hall | No Comments

tree– Aggie Tuden, Tree Warden

Arbor Day is a holiday set aside to celebrate, plant and care for trees. First observed in Nebraska in 1872 with the planting of an estimated one million trees, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world.

On Friday, April 26, 2013 Medford proudly joined in celebrating another successful Arbor Day as a Tree City USA community. With generously donated work of crews and equipment from four arborist/landscape companies, all of which are members of the Massachusetts Certified Arborist Association, several dozen trees in our main business districts were skillfully attended. Special thanks go out to Lawns Plus, Turner Tree Service, Barrett Tree East and Leo’s Landscaping.

Medford’s Forestry, Highway, Electrical and Police Departments also worked diligently in advance or during the event to ensure smooth running and contribute to its success.

Trees in Medford Square, Haines Square, West Medford Square, and the business districts in South Medford and the Hillside were “maintenance pruned””. Put another way, sidewalk trees in our squares received some important “TLC”. Tree health, longevity and appearance have been improved. Dead branches and limbs in contact with buildings have been removed. Low branches that previously interfered with pedestrian or vehicle traffic have been removed without harming the trees. Signage of businesses and street light illumination have in several cases been opened up, again with respect to the trees’ integrity.

In addition to pruning, three dead trees were removed. And in the tradition of tree planting on Arbor Day, three new trees were installed to replace trees that were previously lost.

Also in tradition of Arbor Day, Mayor McGlynn’s official proclamation noted the value of our urban trees, with a portion quoted here:

Trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, they cut heating and cooling costs, they moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife. Trees in Medford increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community.”

Medford has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for 14 years, and in 2012 was one of only six communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to earn a Tree City Growth Award.