Future is Green for Norcross’ Tree Canopy

08.01.2012

Thanks to a recent initiative by Norcross' City Council, the Norcross Tree Preservation Board and ImageScapes, Inc., 100 new trees will soon find homes inside Norcross' "green" community. For only $50, a city resident can buy a 12' tall, 2" caliper oak, maple or elm normally valued at $250 each, and locally-owned ImageScapes, Inc. has volunteered to deliver and plant these large trees for free.
 

"The Council and volunteers on the Norcross Tree Board worked together to find a creative way to replace trees that have died over the years from old age, disease, drought, or construction damage," explained City Councilmember Charlie Riehm. "Mayor and Council agreed to approve the city buying the trees at cost and then matching the $50 the residents are asked to pay. When Blake Manton (ImageScapes, Inc.) volunteered to deliver and plant them, it was a slam dunk."

 

"This is another example of why this is such an exciting community to be part of," added Mayor Bucky Johnson. "The citizens and the city really do partner on making positive things happen -  it's why we're called 'a place to imagine'!"

 

For the last 7 years, Norcross has met the standards required to be designated a "Tree City USA" community, recognition sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.  In 2011, Norcross also earned the Atlanta Regional Commission's highest Gold Level award as a "Green Community" in addition to other regional and county environmental awards that reflect the city's ongoing efforts to support environmental sustainability practices.

 

November is the targeted planting time for this latest green project and while citizens can have the trees planted on private property, they also have the option of choosing another location inside the city. The discounted shade trees will be sold to the first one hundred applicants that are qualified city residents; orders are first-come-first-serve, and must be ordered and paid for in full in September. Delivery and planting is scheduled for November; one tree per residence.

 

"This is a fantastic opportunity to honor someone's memory, celebrate a wedding or anniversary, or give a child or grandchild so they can watch it grow with them and share with the next generation," said Johnson.

 

To order a tree, download the order form here or email jmueller@norcrossga.net.