Tree City Program

The City of Snellville is pleased to announce its designation as a 2001 Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This is the first year Snellville has been named a Tree City. Approximately 90 other communities in Georgia have received this honor. All Tree Cities must meet and maintain four minimum standards.

1) A Tree Board or Department
The City has a full-time Arborist, Jessica Roth, on staff in the Planning and Development Department. The primary responsibilities of the City Arborist include reviewing development plans for compliance with the City's Tree and Landscape Ordinances, conducting site inspections to ensure proper tree protection standards are in place, and coordinating the planting and care of trees on City owned property.

2) A Tree Care Ordinance
The City has both a Tree Preservation Ordinance and a Landscape Ordinance. The ordinances were originally adopted on December 9, 1991. They have been strengthened several times since their original adoption, the latest of which was by an amendment on November 26, 2001. The Tree Preservation Ordinance provides minimum standards for tree protection methods during construction, requires a minimum tree density on development sites, and promotes the preservation of specimen trees. The Landscape Ordinance provides minimum standards for commercial developments, such as planter islands in parking lots, landscape strips, etc.

3) A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at least $2 Per Capita
The City's 2001 Community Forestry Budget was $56,620, which was approximately $3.33 per capita. This budget includes the City Arborist's salary, the purchase and maintenance of trees in Briscoe Park and on public property, and funds for the City Arborist to participate in various Urban Forestry organizations and seminars.

4) An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation
Mayor Brett Harrell officially proclaimed the week of February 12, 2001 as a celebration of Arbor Day in the City. A planting ceremony was held at Briscoe Park on February 20, 2001, during which several local Boy Scouts planted a tree to commemorate the celebration. City crews also planted an additional 9 trees in Briscoe Park. The City plans to continue this tradition by having an annual Arbor Day planting ceremony and celebration. This year's observance celebrated both Arbor Day and Earth Day. The celebration was held at Briscoe Park on Saturday April 20th. Activities included the ground-breaking for the Public Works facility, a tree planting/dedication and presentation of the City's Tree City award. The first 100 participants received t-shirts, red maple seedlings, and other prizes.

For more information about the Tree City USA program or the City's Community Forest program, please contact City Arborist Jessica Roth by e-mail or at (770) 985-3509 or visit the National Arbor Day Foundation web site.