Belmont has become a Tree City as a result of its environmentally mindful actions.

To become a Tree City, a community must meet certain criteria. Some of these standards include having all trees legally cared for through a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, as well as a community forestry program to fund the maintaining of trees.

Having an annual Arbor Day, a day in which trees are planted, is one other condition for the Tree City program.

This is not the first time Belmont has received an award for being environmentally friendly. In fact, this is the eleventh year in a row Belmont has met these conditions, making it a Tree City.

Trees have become a necessary aspect of human life, thus making it important to maintain them through projects such as the Tree City program. They absorb harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, and trees provide oxygen, making them crucial to life.

While being a vital piece of an ecosystem, trees can also prove to be energy savers for the city they thrive in. Studies have shown that trees can reduce costs for energy as well as other utilities. In one study, researchers found that three trees placed in a strategic manner around one’s house can reduce the need for air conditioning, ultimately cutting the air conditioning bill by as much as 50 percent.

In addition to providing joy to those saving money, the Tree City program requirements and the resulting trees can bring joy within the community.

“Arbor Day is one of my favorite days because it gives back to the community and it also makes the world a healthier place,” said Tomas Ronderos, a sophomore.