Urban Forestry Program
DEFINITION OF AN URBAN FOREST
What is an "urban forest"? An urban forest is an ecosystem made up of the trees and vegetation in an urban area and their relationship with people. The City of Georgetown and its citizens recognize the importance of a healthy, beautiful urban forest and have made a commitment to protecting this valuable resource. The City strives to include all elements necessary to have a well-balanced tree program. These elements include, new tree planting, quality care for existing trees, continuing education for our tree care workers, citizen input into our tree program, legal protection for our tree resource and long term planning to enhance our urban forest
WE ARE A TREE CITY USA!
The City of Georgetown first received Tree City status in 1992 and has received it every year since that time. In order for a community to be a Tree City four criteria must be met. The City must have:
Standard 1. A Tree Board or Department
Standard 2. A Community Tree Ordinance
Standard 3. A Community Forestry Program with and Annual Budget of At least $2. per capita.
Standard 4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation.
GEORGETOWN ENCOURAGES CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Would you like to see the City plant more trees? Are you concerned about losing trees to development? The best way to become involved with the City tree program is to attend a KGB (Keep Georgetown Beautiful) Beautification Committee Meeting. The KGB participates in promoting tree planting as well as directing citizen concerns about trees to the City. Every year interested citizens involved in the KGB plan and carry out our annual Arbor Day Program, which allows us to retain our Tree City Status. Please contact the KGB at Phone 843-545-4100 if you are interested in working to further improve our City tree program.
WHERE TO GO WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TREES
The City's Electric Utility Department provides care and maintenance for trees on City property. Please report safety concerns, such as broken limbs on City trees, to the Electric Utility Department at 843-545-4600.
The City protects trees of a certain size and species on both public and private property. Please contact the City Planning Department before removing a tree on your property to determine if the tree is protected. The City Planning Department can be reached at 843-545-4010.
TREE CREW MEMBERS RECEIVE CONTINUING EDUCATION
Tree crewmembers receive continuing education to keep current on proper pruning practices and safety issues. The tree crew follows the ANSI (American Nation Standard Institute) Z133.1 guidelines when pruning public trees. This guide outlines pruning techniques that are most beneficial to the tree and is our standard when pruning City trees.
PROTECTS ITS TREES WITH BOTH A PRIVATE AND PUBLIC TREE ORDINANCE
The City legally protects its trees with both a public tree and private tree ordinance. To learn more about what trees we protect please take a look at our ordinances.
WE CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY!
The City has a long tradition of celebrating Arbor Day, a day set aside to promote tree planting. Georgetown observes Arbor Day on the first Friday in December. For the exact location and time of the City's Arbor Day celebration, please contact the KGB Beautification Committee at 545-4100. To learn more about Arbor Day follow the link below to the National Arbor Day Foundation.