Most Broward residents already know it but the Arbor Day Foundation confirms it: Plantation is a top-notch city – especially when it comes to trees.
The foundation recently declared Plantation a Tree City for 2023, marking the 40th time in the city’s 71-year history it has attained that status.
“It’s very clear what residents here want, and that’s a city that looks better than everyone else’s,” Plantation Mayor Nick Sortal said. “That’s why we have spats and conflicts almost every time a builder or new business wants to develop here. We’re picky, and this recognition shows that.
“I’m fine if we have that reputation.”
Plantation achieved Tree City status by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers, and committed citizens in communities like Plantation make smart investments in urban forests,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
Sortal said there’s a long list of credits to be handed out.
“From our Planning and Zoning landscape division to Public Works to Parks and Recreation, employees throughout the city work to help educate our residents and businesses on placing the right trees in the right location in order to ensure their long, healthy life,” Sortal said. “It takes almost everyone.”
Sortal and the City Council celebrated the occasion at their Feb. 7 council meeting, raising the Tree City flag outside City Hall to accompany the United States and Florida flags.
“We hope it reaffirms to our community that we are committed to preserving what they love about our city and doing it in a way that promotes our long-term sustainability,” Sortal said. “We also understand that there are rules are residents are asked to follow. When we interact with them, we try to have a smile on our face.”
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.