Tree Talk

There’s a new designation in town. In 2019, Round Hill was named an A.T. Community—and, this year, the town has been recognized as a Tree City USA.
 
The Arbor Day Foundation program recognizes communities committed to “greening up” their hometowns. Communities achieve Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.

The A.T. in Virginia is often called a "green tunnel." Trees line the Trail, shelter hikers and host wildlife. We're used to seeing trees along trails and in parks. But trees are just as important in suburban and urban settings. More important, many would argue.
 
Trees are a great investment for a community like Round Hill. They clean our air and water, reduce storm runoff and improve property values. They offer cooling shade in summer and wind breaks in winter—helping to reduce energy consumption. Plus, their branches provide wildlife with food and shelter year round.

Round Hill celebrated its new Tree City U.S.A. designation at an Arbor Day celebration in April that brought another river birch to Niels Poulson Park. We're continuing our focus on trees by working to create a Round Hill Tree Map.

Residents can nominate "notable" trees in town. Notable can mean "native," "big"  or "unique." It can mean a "witness tree," a tree that's been around long enough to witness some town history. If you have a favorite tree, please let us know. 

We'll be celebrating Round Hill's Tree City USA status at the festival, including a Sunday tree planting demo by the VA Department of Forestry and a tree give-away.

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