Kent can put another notch on its Tree City USA award list. The city was named an arborist’s dream for the 20th year.

Gerald Shanley, Kent city arborist, said the award is an important distinction. The award shows the city has met four criteria:

– Has a tree board or commission.

– Has to spend $2 per resident on tree maintenance, removal, planting or anything involving trees.

– Has to have an Arbor Day observance. Kent holds a tree planting class the last Friday of April.

– Has an ordinance that addresses trees. The ordinance can include tree protection penalties and fines.

Gary Brienzo, communications manager for the National Arbor Day Foundation, said Ohio should take pride in having the highest number of Tree Cities in the country, with about 240 of them. He said the award is a mark of civic pride and reflects the quality of life of the city.

Cities receive a flag, plaque and sign, among other things, when they win, Brienzo said.

Shanley, a certified arborist and former Marine, manages urban forests and any issues with trees in the city. He said the city’s track record with trees is pretty good, with a 110-tree positive gain since 1991.

But managing trees is tough.

“When a big tree comes down, it isn’t an easy thing to do,” Shanley said. So, he plans ahead to prevent cutting them down. He said the city doesn’t plant pin oak, sugar maple or ash trees beneath power lines. They simply grow too tall.

Shanley said his job is pretty fulfilling. He respects what trees have to offer — their calming effects, summer leaves, the green — and they benefit all.

Shanley hopes to establish areas for trees in the city. He said the grated circular rings in the sidewalk don’t work because they disrupt traffic flow.

“As harsh as the environment is in Kent, the city isn’t made for trees.”

Contact public affairs reporter Mike Klesta at [email protected].