Arbor Day has given way to Arbor Month in Minnesota.

Spruce Up Austin planted 12 trees in the area east of South Main and north of Eighth Avenue SE.

Three of those trees will be their signature three spruce trees.

This is just one of the many plantings for the 2011 season that can be counted when the City Park and Recreation Department applies for the “Tree City USA Award.” Austin was again recognized in 2010 marking it the 32nd year the city received this award.

This program involves having an active community forestry program and must meet an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. The application requires that an annual work schedule be submitted along with the annual budget. These costs are broken down and includes tree planting, care, maintenance, tree removals, management and volunteer time. The mayor signs a proclamation stating that the last Friday in April is Arbor Day and the month of May is Arbor Month.

The Austin Park and Recreation logs as many news articles they can find to submit along with the application. If your organization, scout troop, church or school plans a planting make sure to call the local press, it’s great recognition for your group and for our community. Remember, even though Arbor Day has past, May is Arbor Month, so plant a tree.