As we mark Arbor Day, the City of Independence is once again celebrating national recognition  for its efforts in urban forestry initiatives. For the 21st and 22nd consecutive years, respectively, the City has earned recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation and National Association of State Foresters (NASF) as a 2022 Tree City USA and Tree Line USA community. 

Independence consistently achieves Tree City USA recognition 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. 

Tree Line USA highlights Independence’s commitment to utility arboriculture. This commitment aims at delivering safe and reliable power while ensuring a healthy urban forest. As an added benefit, healthy trees also help conserve energy and reduce demand on our utilities. 

The City of Independence is proud to have maintained its commitment to urban forestry for more than two decades. Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat.  

The City of Independence invites the public to help it celebrate these achievements at the Uptown Garden Faire from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sat., April 30, at the Independence Uptown Market, 211 W. Truman Rd. 

Visitors can shop at the garden market with exhibitors and food, participate in a tree giveaway to celebrate Arbor Day, and enter a raffle to win prizes. This free event happens just once a year and is fun for the whole family. 

The City of Independence encourages citizens to celebrate Missouri’s Arbor Day by planting native trees and ensuring proper tree care. Learn more about how you can celebrate Arbor Day at home here arborday.org/celebrate.