CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Arbor Day Foundation has named CDE Lightband a 2019 Tree Line USA in honor of its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in the provider’s service area.
The City of Clarksville celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 5 at Barksdale Elementary School where CDE Lightband received their Tree Line USA award for the sixth straight year. Students of Barksdale planted two tulip poplar trees donated by the Clarksville Tree Board.
Tree Line USA, a partnership between the Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing practices that protect and enhance America’s urban trees. Tree Line USA promotes the dual goals of delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests.
“Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Service providers like CDE Lightband demonstrate that it’s possible for trees and utilities to co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens.”
CDE Lightband achieved Tree Line USA by meeting five program standards. Utilities must follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices; sponsor a tree-planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.
“Vegetation management is a key component to our commitment to providing safe and reliable electric and broadband services,” said Brian Taylor, General Manager at CDE Lightband. “The guidelines established through the Tree Line USA program ensures we are following tree trimming standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation.”
More information about Tree Line USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeLineUSA.