Cranford Earns 2024 Tree City USA Award From Arbor Day Foundation

Cranford has received the 2024 Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing the township's ongoing work to plant and maintain trees across public property.

Union County Life reported on the announcement, which was issued March 13, 2025. The recognition was coordinated through Cranford's Shade Tree Commission, a volunteer body appointed by the mayor and responsible for managing the township's community forest.

In 2024, the Shade Tree Commission planted 111 trees throughout Cranford. The commission also created a tree nursery to grow native trees for future planting, expanding the township's overall tree canopy.

Mayor Terrence Curran, who serves as liaison to the Shade Tree Commission, credited the commission's planning and planting efforts for the designation. "This designation highlights the efforts of the Shade Tree Commission in planning, planting and caring for trees throughout the town," Curran said.

To qualify for Tree City USA status, a municipality must meet four standards: maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance in place, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and hold an Arbor Day celebration.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit that has helped plant more than 500 million trees in more than 60 countries since 1972. The Tree City USA program has recognized municipalities for more than 50 years and is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Trees on public property provide measurable benefits to residents. Research cited by the Arbor Day Foundation links urban tree canopy to reduced stormwater runoff, lower air temperatures, improved air quality, and reduced energy costs for nearby homeowners.

The Cranford Shade Tree Commission consists of nine voting members, all of whom must be Cranford residents. Members are appointed by the mayor and serve on a volunteer basis. The commission works alongside the Cranford Department of Public Works and a licensed arborist to carry out its objectives, which include tree planting, maintenance, hazard management, and public education.

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