Reading, MA — In honor of Arbor Day, the Department of Public Works planted a Snow Fountains weeping cherry (Prunus Snofozam) near the main entrance of the Reading Public Library on Friday, April 27. While the first Arbor Day was in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, it didn’t become a National Holiday until 1970. In 2022, the Forestry Department planted 122 trees throughout Reading including along the roadside as street trees and at local parks, cemeteries, and schools. Residents are encouraged to submit a tree planting request via the Town website. Please contact the Forestry Department or consider donating to through the “Taking Root” program.
Reading is proud to be the second oldest Tree City in Massachusetts (38 years). Tree City USA is one of Arbor Day Foundation oldest programs starting back to 1976, and has more than 3600 communities from all 50 states.
Did you know:
- Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%
- Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without
- Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change
