How El Paso was named a ‘2014 Tree City’
El Paso was recently named a 2014 Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation.
City officials said the recognitions affirms its commitment to planting and care of trees.
More than 300 trees have been added in about the past two years around downtown El Paso, according to city spokesman Martin Bartlett.
An additional 780 trees have been planted in various construction projects around the city.
In downtown, the net gain is about 80 trees, because trees have been removed and re-planted at San Jacinto Plaza, said Bartlett.
The following are requirements set by the Arbor Day Foundation, El Paso met all of them:
– Tree care ordinance
– Annual forestry budget of at least $2 per capita
– Arbor Day observance and proclamation
– Tree board or department
Jim Tolbert, president of the West Texas Urban Forestry Council, likes the idea of more trees around the city but has some concerns.
He said the city’s department has diminished over time and believes one arborist for the entire city is not enough.
“We have the Engineering Department, we have the Transportation Department, Parks and Rec. Department, which all have something to do with trees and landscaping. Not all of them are tree-smart,” said Tolbert.
Bartlett said because of the increasing trees that are being planted, the city is aware of the needs of the arbor department and is working to make improvements.
“The City of El Paso has made a clear commitment to improving the visual image of the community. That matters when people are looking at where they invest, where they move their business to and where do move their families,” said Bartlett.
