New Berlin Named Tree City USA For 20th Year

NEW BERLIN, WI — The City of New Berlin was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 2021, according to a news release from the mayor's office.

It's the 20th year that New Berlin has been recognized with the award, the news release says.

To achieve recognition a city must meet four requirements. New Berlin met the requirements by having a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual forestry budget of at least $2 per resident, and by observing Arbor Day.

Trees can provide many benefits to a community when they're properly planted and maintained, the city's news release says. They can change the visual appeal of a neighborhood, impact property value, remove air pollutants and can impact wildlife habitats.

“The trees being planted and cared for by New Berlin are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life," said Dan Lambe, the chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, participation in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”

The Arbor Day Foundation, a non-profit with the mission of inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, hands out the awards.