News Release

Town of Hilton Head Island Earns Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA Designation

April 6, 2021

The Town of Hilton Head Island's commitment to effective urban forest management has earned it a 2020 Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

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. The Town 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. This is the 19th consecutive year the Town has received this designation.

"We are proud of this accomplishment because it represents our environmental stewardship and demonstrates our longstanding commitment to preserving and protecting trees and other natural elements of our community," said Marc Orlando, Town Manager.

"Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like the Town of Hilton Head Island 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 Town includes a tree care policy as part of its Land Management Ordinance and, in 2020, allocated $275,000 for planting and caring for new trees, removing trees and vines, clearing underbrush, lifting canopy and trimming trees.

More information on the Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA program is available at www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/index-become.cfm