Orange County has been recognized for its tree canopy cover by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 16th consecutive year.
In 2022, Orange County planted more than 2,500 trees and distributed another 1,000 Florida-friendly trees to homeowners, according to a press release from county officials.
Led by the Arbor Day Foundation, USDA Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters, the Tree City USA Program recognizes communities and their growing commitment to increasing urban tree canopy.
“Trees provide effective and low-cost solutions to many urban challenges, including reducing pollution, removing carbon dioxide from the air and reducing energy costs for homeowners,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Most importantly, residents and visitors alike enjoy being in an aesthetically pleasing environment with tree cover as a measure of quality of life.”
Founded in 1976, the Tree City USA program provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. For more information on the program, visit the Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA webpage.