Oklahoma City has once more been named a Tree City USA, keeping up its reputation for dedication to urban forestry. The Arbor Day Foundation awards the title to municipalities that adhere to certain tree care standards. According to an announcement on the City of Oklahoma City website by OKC's Forestry Supervisor David Summers, "Trees in Oklahoma City are of utmost importance. Not only do they provide shaded areas from the summer sun, create habitat for a rich population of wildlife, and help with air pollution, but their aesthetics and presence give the community great joy and pride in their neighborhoods."
In celebration of this honor, the OKC Parks Forestry Division offered up a list of their preferred tree species flourishing locally, including Arizona Cypress and Oklahoma Redbud, among others. Most of these can be seen at the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum in Will Rogers Gardens. An attempt to plant six new trees such as Austrian pine, bald cypress, and bur oak was delayed by rain, targeting a new date in May when planting conditions are favorable.
The initiative holds substantial economic benefits too. The Arbor Day Foundation notes that trees contribute to savings in energy consumption, stormwater management, and erosion control, sometimes offering returns quintuple that of their cost. Correctly positioned around buildings, they can slash energy use by a quarter. OKC's Office of Sustainability program planner T.O. Bowman shared on City of Oklahoma City, "A healthy tree canopy is vital for a truly resilient city." He detailed how trees assist in managing a slew of environmental challenges while providing necessary wildlife habitats.
Charged with the welfare of over 170 parks and additional outdoor spaces, Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation endorses the role of urban greenery in enhancing community wellbeing. The Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum, a living exhibit at Will Rogers Gardens, boasts an array of tree varieties and preserves some of the oldest specimens in the city, planted back in the 1930s by horticulturist Henry Walter.
