Surrey named a ‘Tree City of the World’ for sixth time
City earns international recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation and the 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 year by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This recognition highlights Surrey's long-term commitment to properly maintaining and sustainably managing its urban forest.
“To be designated a Tree City of the World reflects our dedication to protecting and enhancing our urban forests,” Mayor Brenda Locke. “Surrey takes great pride in maintaining our urban canopy and in expanding our park inventory. Preservation of these important green spaces not only benefits the environment, but it gives Surrey residents the ability to socialize and stay active in an outdoor setting. 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 intended to recognize cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area. To earn recognition, a city must uphold five core standards: establish responsibility for the care of trees; enact a law or policy that governs the management of trees and forests; maintain an updated assessment of local tree resources; allocate resources for a tree management plan; and hold an annual celebration of trees to educate local residents.
Over the years, the City has taken important steps to protect trees on both public and private property. Surrey’s tree protection bylaw helps to reduce the number of trees removed, killed, cut or damaged in the city by having in place improved protection and replanting requirements. Through the Shade Tree Management Plan and Urban Forest Management Strategy, the City has continued to enhance Surrey’s urban forest, planting thousands of trees each year on public property. The City also has a comprehensive inventory of every tree on City property, which is available on COSMOS, the City of Surrey Mapping Online system, listing more than 85,000 street trees and nearly 28,000 park trees planted, monitored and maintained on a scheduled basis.
“We have a comprehensive tree management program at 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 Forestry Manager. “We’re grateful to residents who support and help care for our natural environment.”
Each year, the City also organizes several community events and activities that build environmental awareness and provide opportunities for residents to protect and expand Surrey’s urban forest. For example, the city arranges four sales each year offering discounted trees for sale to plant on private property. These trees will help mitigate urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff and flooding, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. Residents are also encouraged to participate in several tree planting opportunities held in parks throughout Surrey. The City also produces Party for the Planet, the largest Earth Day celebration in B.C.
For more information about the City’s urban forest strategy, visit the Protecting Surrey’s Urban Forest web page.