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The borough of Fountain Hill has been recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation, according to a news release.

Flowering trees line much of Delaware Avenue--one of the main streets in Fountain Hill. — Flowering trees line much of Delaware Avenue–one of the main streets in Fountain Hill.

Fountain Hill was named a Tree City in honor of its commitment to urban forest management, and for meeting the Tree City USA program’s four requirements: having a tree care ordinance; having a tree board or commission; having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita; and having an Arbor Day observance or proclamation.

Arbor Day 2015 will be observed on Friday, April 24.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Fountain Hill make smart investments in urban forests,” said Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive Matt Harris. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Some of the benefits of trees include: energy savings from shade cover, improved storm water management, cleaner air and increased property values, the foundation noted.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service.

More information about the program is available on the Arbor Day Foundation website.