National Arbor Day is Friday, April 29, 2022. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the tree planting holiday. While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty, all for a better tomorrow.
Led by the Lansdowne Shade Tree Commission, with help from the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, over 500 trees have been planted in Lansdowne by homeowners, volunteers, and borough staff since Fall 2010. Lansdowne Borough has been a Tree City USA community award recipient for over 25 years.
A thriving urban forest offers many advantages to communities, including:
- Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%.
- Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without.
- Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds.
- Homes with trees have higher property values.
- Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health.
- Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change.
On Friday, April 29, 2022, the Shade Tree Commission will host students from Lansdowne Friends School and other local schools, to share in the commemoration of Arbor Day, learn about the history of our town’s Sycamore tree, and have an activity in the park. Please check the borough calendar or our social media pages, for more information.
Together, we can green our planet and build a better world for generations to come. For more information on our FREE bare-root street tree program, or if you would like to sign up to be considered for a tree, please go to our website: lansdowneborough.com/369/Free-Street-Trees