Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Park & Recreation Director Joey Schugel stands near newly-planted trees in Washington Park. A variety of trees on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tree planting list were recently planted, replacing large ash trees were recently removed from the park boulevard.

NEW ULM — In honor of its commitment to plant, grow and maintain trees to benefit the community, New Ulm was recently named a 2024 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

“This is our 21st year of being named a Tree City USA. The criteria includes showing trees are a priority to the City of New Ulm,” said New Ulm Park & Recreation Director Joey Schugel.

He said a tree was planted and a park cleanup was done on Arbor Day (April 25) in Lincoln Park.

“We all have a role to play in shaping our future. Tree champions like New Ulm are leading the way,” said Arbor Day Foundation Vice President of Programs Michelle Saulnier. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud New Ulm is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”

It should be no surprise that the City of New Ulm planted a variety of trees in Washington Park after a number of large ash trees infected with emerald ash borer, were recently removed from the park and a variety of trees were planted.

“Washington Park was one of our parks most impacted by emerald ash borer so we’ve been planning ash tree removal, mostly in boulevards, for the past five years,” said Schugel. “We planted a variety of trees on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) list to get shade in places where people can gather within the park. We’ve put several dozen new trees in Washington Park over the last few years. We’re committed to reforestation.”

He said the DNR’s list of recommended trees planted include oak, Dutch elm resistant elm, Kentucky coffee trees and hackberry trees.

Kentucky coffee tree sends may be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee beans, but unroasted pods and seeds are toxic. Kentucky coffee tree wood is used by cabinetmakers and carpenters.

A global non-profit, the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

Trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce storm water runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When planted in the right places, the right trees can reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs.

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.

For more information, visit arborday.org.