From now on, tell them you live in Tree City USA

This time of year — with the memory of barren February limbs still fresh in our minds — it’s easy to appreciate the mature stock of trees we have in northeast Johnson County.

And the towering oaks and sycamores of Prairie Village aren’t just easy on the eyes. They’ve also earned the city Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 15th year in a row.

Fairway and Mission Hills are also among the 104 Kansas municipalities that currently qualify for the honor. To achieve Tree City USA status, a city has to have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, and make an Arbor Day proclamation each year. It also must spend at least $2.00 per capita on a community forestry program.