Del Mar seeks to be designated a ‘Tree City USA’ community

By Kristina Houck

The North County cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Encinitas have the title. Now Del Mar is also seeking to be designated a “Tree City USA” community.

Founded in 1976, the Arbor Day Foundation’s national program recognizes communities that meet four tree-related core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.

More than 3,400 cities in the U.S. have earned the national designation. Carlsbad has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for the past decade. Oceanside has been recognized for seven years, and Encinitas for three years.

In a unanimous vote Sept. 2, the Del Mar City Council authorized city staff to submit an application so San Diego County’s smallest city could also potentially have the title.

Before the council’s vote, Del Mar met only three of the foundation’s four standards. But an item on the council’s consent calendar also proclaimed Nov. 11, 2014, as Arbor Day in Del Mar, the final requirement.

If Del Mar were to be designated a Tree City USA community, the city would have to reapply for recertification yearly.