Peachtree Corners recognized as ‘Tree City USA’ for 4th straight year

Peachtree Corners Land Development Inspector Salim Maalouf, resident Lorrie Backer, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Chuck Williams and resident and Master Gardener Hilary Wilson receive the city’s ‘Tree City USA’ honors. (Courtesy City of Peachtree Corners)

Peachtree Corners Land Development Inspector Salim Maalouf, resident Lorrie Backer, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Chuck Williams and resident and Master Gardener Hilary Wilson receive the city’s ‘Tree City USA’ honors. (Courtesy City of Peachtree Corners)

Peachtree Corners was among 20 Georgia cities recently honored as ‘Tree City USA’ communities. This is the 6-year-old city’s fourth year earning the designation.

Residents Lorri Backer and Hilary Wilson, along with Salim Maalouf, the city’s Land Development Inspector, represented the city Feb. 7 at the 2019 State Arbor Day celebration at Trees Atlanta.

Requirements to earn the Tree City USA designation include the establishment of a tree board or department, a community tree ordinance, specific spending levels for urban forestry, and planned Arbor Day celebrations.

There are 155 Tree Cities USA in Georgia, and nearly 30 percent of the state’s population lives in a Tree City.

“Trees connect all of us,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Chuck Williams. “Trees clean our air, filter our water, spur economic growth and provide countless opportunities to enjoy recreation, contributing to a better quality of life.”

Peachtree Corners will hold its annual Arbor Day celebration at 11 a.m. April 26 at Paul Duke STEM High School.