CONCORD, N.C. — The City of Concord has planted 577 trees at city facilities so far this year, including 170 at the newly renovated Caldwell Park. Officials say the fall planting season is only beginning, so more are on the way.
Mayor Steve Morris and City Manager Lloyd Payne marked the city's local Arbor Day by planting a Happidaze Sweetgum at Caldwell Park. The variety produces no seed balls and is expected to reach about 60 feet tall.
The city holds its Arbor Day event in the fall rather than spring because fall is the best time to plant in Concord. Cooler weather and seasonal rain help young trees build strong roots before summer heat arrives.
Concord's Urban Forestry Division works with developers to make sure tree preservation standards are met on private projects. It also looks for places to plant on city land, including parks and greenways. The city has held the Tree City USA designation for six years in a row. It also earned the Arbor Day Foundation's Growth Award for the second straight year.
Residents can take part in two programs. The Memorial Tree Program lets people buy a tree in memory of someone or to mark a special occasion. Those trees are planted in a city park or greenway in the fall, and locations are listed at concordnc.gov/MemorialTrees.
The Energy Saving Trees program gives free trees to eligible Concord homeowners and city Electric Systems customers. The city runs it with All Saints' Episcopal Church, Carolina Power Partners and the Arbor Day Foundation. This year, 187 native trees went to residents.
