The City of Winchester was named part of Tree City USA for the 40th year.

The Tree City USA program helps communities with their four step framework to maintain and grow tree cover.

Those steps include maintaining a tree board, having a community tree ordinance, spending $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.

Some benefits of becoming a Tree City include up to 40% absorption of traffic sounds, 25% reduction in energy costs by shading buildings and shielding them from wind, rising property values, and absorption of carbon dioxide to combat climate change.

Residents can help Winchester’s status by participating in the Adopt- A-Tree or the Right Tree Right Place program and stopping the spread of Spotted Lanternflies.

To learn more about those programs, click here.