For almost 17 years, the City of Garden Grove had earned the status of “Tree City USA” from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The City would like to resume its status through submittal of a new application, which is estimated to be due by December 31, 2023. 

The Tree City USA application requires cities to generally comply with four (4) standards. These include: (1) a City-staffed tree maintenance section, (2) a tree ordinance, (3) an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and (4) Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation.

The Tree Maintenance Section in the Public Works Department is in compliance with all standards outlined above, except for a formal proclamation. Therefore, staff is requesting this final step in order to submit an application. Additionally, the Trees Section will do a small tree planting on October 19, 2023, to commemorate Arbor Day. The location and other details will be shared with City Council at a later date. 

Adopting the proclamation does not have any financial impact.  Funding for the Public Works Department Tree Maintenance Division is included in the adopted fiscal years 2023 to 2025 budget.  No additional appropriation is necessary to meet the Tree City USA requirements.

It is recommended that the City Council: 

• Proclaim October 19, 2023, as Arbor Day in the City of Garden Grove.

By: Ana V. Neal, Principal Administrative Analyst