Arbor Day has been proclaimed for April 24, as Tullahoma has been named as Tree City USA for the 29th consecutive year.

In making the proclamation at the recent meeting of the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor Lynn Sebourn pointed out the benefits that trees have on the environment and the quality of living in the city.

“Trees in our city increase property value, enhance economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community,” the proclamation reads. “Trees can reduce the erosion of topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife.”

Mayor Sebourn encouraged the citizens of Tullahoma to help observe the special day. “I urge all citizens to support efforts to care for our trees and woodlands and to support our city’s community forestry program.”

Ralph Graham, Chairman of the Tullahoma Tree Board, noted that three decades of being named Tree City USA is something for Tullahoma to be proud of.

“This is the 29th year that we’ve been recognized as Tree City USA,” he said. “Twenty-nine years in a row. That’s back to 1997.”

He said that in order to qualify as Tree City USA, the city has to celebrate Arbor Day each year. They also have to have a tree board and tree ordinance, and allow $2 per capita for maintenance and care of trees.