Photo of trees in Avondale Estates. Source: Avondaleestates.org

Avondale Estates has a long track record of supporting tree planting in the city.

It has held “Tree City USA” status for 30 years, a distinction bestowed by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city will mark its 30th year with an Arbor Day Celebration on Feb. 21. The event will begin at 1 pm and will be held at 70 Dartmouth Avenue.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the neighboring city of Decatur has been a tree city for three years. There’s been heated debate in Decatur about passing a new ordinance to promote tree growth and protect the tree canopy. That ordinance has been tabled and is being revised after residents objected to the restrictions it placed on property owners.

The only city with more years in the Tree City club than Avondale Estates, is Columbus Georgia, which has held that distinction for 35 years.

In order to be named a “Tree City,” cities have to meet the following criteria:

– Must have a Tree Board or Department

– Must have a tree care ordinance on the books

– Must have a Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita

– Must have an Arbor Day observance and proclamation

The Arbor Day Foundation lists numerous benefits to obtaining Tree City status. One of them is getting preference in grant awards for trees and forestry programs.

Avondale Estates Garden Club will participate in the celebration, which will include the dedication of a memorial tree.

“Each year, the club donates funds to go toward the purchase of a memorial tree for each member or spouse who passed away during the previous year,” the event announcement says. “At this year’s event, the club will remember its members who passed away in 2013: Gloria Stone, Betty Weems, Beth Wills and Harold Biggs, husband of member Sheila Biggs.”