Many people find it hard to see the forest for the trees. In McHenry, that may be especially true. For the second time, the city has received national recognition as a Tree City USA from the National Arbor Day Foundation.
“It’s an honor to be the only Tree City designated in McHenry County,” said Pete Merkel, McHenry parks and recreation director. “This award recognizes our efforts in having a comprehensive tree-care program.”
To become a Tree City USA, McHenry met four standards: it has a tree board, a city tree ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
The city’s ordinance designates certain types of trees for curbs and parkways and specifies the conditions under which those trees may be planted or removed. The city’s forestry program includes a plan for curbside brush pickup and storm or damage removal of trees as well as ongoing tree care throughout the parks and public property.
“Many people don’t realize that urban areas can actually be forests,” said Merkel. “In fact, from some of the higher locations in the city . . . all you see are tree tops–you can’t see any roof tops.”
According to John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day Foundation, “An effective community forestry program is an ongoing process of renewal and improvement, a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years.”
Tom Schmidt, a park department employee for the city, studied natural resources management at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, and was named city forester last year.
“I am responsible for the tree care in all the public parks and our municipal grounds,” said Schmidt. “With my background, I am able to provide technical advice to the city in regards to where to plant trees, what type of trees work best in which areas and care for trees which have problems with insects or disease.”
To maintain its process of tree planting, the city has a tree-donation program. Residents may purchase any of a variety of trees that can be planted in a designated park or municipal area. Donors of trees to the municipal grounds have their names placed on a plaque displayed in the Municipal Center. In the parks, memorial bricks are placed at the base of the trees commemorating a special person.
Merkel said there are many benefits, besides the ecological ones, to having many trees in an urban area.
“Trees add to the scenic beauty of an area, which ultimately adds value to a community,” said Merkel. “It also makes a community more inviting to prospective residents.”
