Raleigh is on the hunt for the most beloved arbor in the city. The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation is calling for residents to put forward their favorite trees for the '2025 Tree of the Year'. It's a chance for people to highlight the green giants they pass by every day, or those hidden gems tucked away in corners of the city that only the locals might know. If you're fond of a particular leafy friend, whether it towers in your backyard or stands sentinel in a public space, now's the time to give it some recognition.
Nominations are set to open on April 2 and will continue until April 16. A winner will be chosen from among the rooted ranks by public vote, which opens on April 17 and closes on April 23, according to the City of Raleigh announcement. However, the competition has a twist; previous year's winners cannot bask in the glory again – they are ineligible to win another title.
The majestic winner will be crowned at the Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration scheduled for April 25 at Dorthea Dix Park. And the perks? Alongside bragging rights, the winning tree will be graced with a certificate and a yard sign proclaiming its arboreal supremacy. For those leaning towards civic pride, this is an opportunity to spruce up interest in our local flora and, perhaps, nurture a newfound appreciation for the gentle giants that dot our daily landscapes.
Details on the nomination process are expected to go live on the city's website on April 2, so keep your eyes peeled.
