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Washington Evening Journal
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Hillsboro named Tree City USA
Hillsboro receives recognition as the city’s tree population grows
HILLSBORO — After Arbor Day Foundation and Iowa Department of Natural Resources honored Hillsboro with a 2023 Tree City USA Award at the 33rd Annual Community Forestry Awards, the city plans to celebrate the award this Arbor Day.
“The Tree City USA award is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees,” State Forester Jeff Goerndt said. “Your community has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa communities by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations.”
To receive this award cities must have either a city forester or an active city tree board, have a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program, and have a tree planting and maintenance plan. Having met all these requirements, Hillsboro is now among 74 Iowa Communities qualifying for the Tree City USA status.
As a Tree City USA, Hillsboro was gifted two signs, flag, and plaque in recognition of their accomplishment. The City plans to display the sign on the roadway as people come into town and put the flag under the American flag at city hall.
According to City Clerk Rick Smith, this award is thanks largely in part to the knowledgeable and diligent work of Hillsboro council member and city forester Michaeleen Kaeser.
“When I came to Hillsboro, most of the trees in the city park were gone,” Kaeser said. “A lot of the trees along the main drag over the years were gone and nobody had really paid attention to the trees.”
With a background which includes working for the City of Iowa City for 21 years in forestry, Kaeser decided she would “speak for the trees” of Hillsboro much like Dr. Suess’ Lorax. Kaeser decided the first steps would be to add trees to the city park.
“I realized we needed more trees, especially in our city park because there were only eight big trees left in the park,” Kaeser said.
Last April Kaeser saw five trees planted and this year, Hillsboro plans to add seven, Saturday, April 20 just before Arbor Day. According to Kaeser, Hillsboro has planted Maple, Oak, and Skyline Locust trees, so far. This year they will plant Crabapples and an Ornamental Pear along with more Maples and Oak.
As she works to grow the tree population, Kaeser says there is intentionality in selecting a variety of tree species, especially smaller ones. By planting a variety of trees, Kaeser says the community can avoid a single disease coming into town and wiping out all their hard work.
“We don’t get huge trees on purpose,” she explained. “Some people ask why we don’t get the big trees and put them in, and it’s because it takes longer for them to establish themselves. If you get a bigger tree it takes more time for them to get over the shock of being moved.”
While the trees planted in the last two years are not very big now, Kaeser says she keeps the future of the community in mind as she makes moves to build Hillsboro’s tree population. This means that Kaeser works hard to prune the trees in the cooler months so promote healthy growth for years to come.
Additionally, as it gets close to Arbor Day, Kaeser uses her role as the community librarian hosting a kids time at the Hillsboro Library to keep this future-focus mindset and teach the next generation.
“So, we will tie Arbor Day in with the kids time,” she said. “We’re trying to get the kids to realize trees are an important part of our society.”
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, tree help clean the air by removing pollutants from the atmosphere and producing oxygen through photosynthesis. They also contribute to good health.
“Several studies have shown that a view of trees can reduce stress at work and even speed up healing times for hospital patients,” literature from the Arbor Day Foundation states.
Other benefits, according to the Arbor Day Foundation include cooling areas through shade and releasing water vapor, reducing the effects of climate change, providing habitats for wildlife, saving energy with shade and wind breaks, and even increasing property values.
With benefits including energy savings and increased property values, individuals may have interested in adding trees to their own property. If you do, Kaeser offers some advice.
“Ask questions,” she said. “Go to a nursery and ask them what kind of tree is best for your area. Ask them for a brochure on how to plant a tree. Ask about watering and mulching, too. The nursery can probably give you tips and on how much to water depending on what kind of tree it is.”
Kaeser would encourage tree owners to continue to ask questions even after planting, too, because pruning requires knowledge, as well.
“Use your resources,” she said.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
