1. A Tree Board or Department
2. A Community Tree Ordinance
3. A Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita
4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation

When a TREE CITY USA has acheived 10 years of Growth Awards they become a Sterling Community. To receive a Growth Award a Tree City must accomplish work above the required standards for that year. Each year a Growth Award is applied for the Tree City must accumulate 10 points for work relating to community trees such as tree care workshops, education projects with schools, or developing an arboretum. As a part of the 2007 Growth Award Application the Tree Board coorainated an Arbor Day Poster Contest with the Plainview Intermediate School fifth graders. To view the local winning Arbor Day poster and the four honorary mention posters click here.

Arbor Day - 2007 Oak Hall Episcopal School