Global organizations have dubbed Surrey a "Tree City of the World" for a sixth time.
Such annual accolades come from the Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, according to a post on city hall's website.
The Tree Cities of the World program is described as "an international effort to recognize cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and duly celebrated."
This year Surrey is among 21 Canadian cities given the designation, 210 around the world.
To earn recognition, a city must uphold five "core standards" involving care of trees, policies for the management of trees and forests, assessment of tree resources, tree management plans and an annual celebration of trees for residents.
Surrey has a comprehensive tree management program, according to Rob Landucci, Surrey’s Urban Forestry Manager, with planting of new trees, and watering, pruning and inspecting trees on public property to ensure they remain healthy.
“We’re grateful to residents who support and help care for our natural environment," he said.
The latest "Tree City" honours arrive ahead of Earth Day and Surrey's annual Party for the Planet festival, on Saturday, April 26 at Surrey Civic Plaza.
Later, the city's second tree sale of 2025 starts April 30. For $20 per tree, Surrey residents can spruce up their yards and help keep the city green. The trees are five to 12 feet tall, come in three or five-gallon pots and are available while supplies last. Species include apple, cherry, dogwood, magnolia, maple and pear, among others. Details on surrey.ca/treesale.
