City receives international recognition from Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Surrey , B.C. – The City of Surrey has been honored as a ‘Tree City of the World’ for the sixth consecutive time by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The recognition highlights Surrey’s long-term commitment to the proper maintenance and sustainable management of its urban forest.
“ Being known around the world as the City of Trees demonstrates our commitment to protecting and enhancing our urban forests,” said Mayor Brenda Locke . “Surrey prides itself on preserving its urban canopy and increasing the number of its parks. Preserving these important green spaces not only benefits the environment , but they also provide Surrey residents with opportunities to socialize and be active in outdoor settings. Thank you to city staff and residents for your help in caring for Surrey’s green network year-round.”
The Tree Cities of the World program is an international initiative that recognizes cities and towns that use urban vegetation to enhance the livability and sustainability of their areas. To achieve this distinction , a city must meet five basic criteria: 1) Establish responsibility for the care of trees; 2) Develop a policy or law for the management of trees and forests ; 3) Maintain an up-to-date assessment of local tree resources ; 4) Establish resources for a tree management plan ; 5) Host an annual tree festival to educate local residents.
Over the past several years , the city has taken several important steps to protect trees on public and private property. Surrey’s Tree Protection Bylaw establishes legal restrictions to reduce the number of trees cut, damaged, or destroyed in the city . Through the Shed Tree Management Plan and the Urban Forest Management Strategy, the city is planting thousands of new trees on public land each year. The city also has a comprehensive inventory of every tree on city property , which is available through the City of Surrey’s online mapping system, Cosmos. ( COSMOS ), in which more than 85,000 street trees and approximately 28,000 park trees have been planted , monitored and maintained.
“ We have a comprehensive tree management program in the city , which includes planting new trees and watering, pruning and inspecting trees on public property to ensure they remain healthy, ” said Rob Landucci, Surrey’s urban forest manager . “ We are grateful to residents who care for and support our natural environment . ”
Each year , the city hosts various social events to raise environmental awareness among residents and to protect and expand Surrey’s urban forest. For example , the city hosts four subsidized tree sales each year, so that residents can plant new trees on their private property. These trees help reduce heat stress , reduce stormwater runoff and flooding , improve air quality , and restore mental and physical health.
Residents are also encouraged to participate in the many tree planting opportunities held in Surrey’s parks. The city also hosts ‘ Party for the Planet ‘, the largest Earth Day celebration in British Columbia.
For more information about the City’s urban forest strategy , visit Surrey’s Urban Forest Conservation webpage. Go to .
