Digging In: City Leaders Growing Concord's Tree Canopy, One Tree at a Time

The City of Concord continues to add to its tree canopy through the annual Arbor Day observance and tree planting, recognizing the important role trees play in creating healthy, vibrant neighborhoods.

This year, Mayor Steve Morris and City Manager Lloyd Payne celebrated Concord's Arbor Day by planting a Happidaze Sweetgum tree at the newly renovated Caldwell Park. This variety of Sweetgum tree is seedless and will grow to approximately 60 feet tall. In total, the City has planted 170 trees in Caldwell Park and 577 total trees at city facilities just this year, with more to come as the planting season is just beginning.

While National Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated in the spring, fall is the best time to plant a tree in Concord. The cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall help newly planted trees establish strong root systems before the warmer months arrive. That is why the City holds a local Arbor Day celebration every year during the fall planting season.

Maintaining and expanding Concord's tree canopy is an important part of the City's approach to responsible growth and environmental stewardship. Through the Urban Forestry Division, the City works with developers to ensure tree preservation standards on private projects are met, and also actively looks for opportunities to plant trees on City-owned property, including parks and greenways.

The City's strong commitment to urban forestry has earned Concord the Tree City USA designation for six straight years, with the City also earning the Tree City USA Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the second year in a row. The Growth Award recognizes the City for working with the community and supporting a higher level of tree care.

Residents can help support Concord's tree canopy by participating in programs such as the Memorial Tree Program and the Energy Saving Tree Program. Through the Memorial Tree Program, residents can purchase a tree in memory of a friend, loved one, or to commemorate a special occasion. The trees are planted within a City park or greenway during the fall planting season and residents can explore all Memorial Trees and their locations online at concordnc.gov/MemorialTrees.

Through the Energy Saving Trees program, the City partners with All Saints' Episcopal Church, Carolina Power Partners, and the Arbor Day Foundation to provide free trees to eligible Concord homeowners and City of Concord Electric Systems customers. This year, 187 native trees were given out to residents.

Planting the right tree in the right place can provide benefits for generations. Trees enhance the appearance of neighborhoods and parks, improve air and water quality, help manage stormwater runoff, provide shade and wildlife habitat, and can reduce residential energy costs when strategically placed around homes.

Through continued investment in urban forestry and opportunities for residents to get involved, the City of Concord remains committed to growing its tree canopy and cultivating a vibrant and sustainable community.