Did you know that Denton was designated as a Tree City USA in 1991? To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of that achievement, an Autumn Blaze Maple will be planted in Quakertown Park, adjacent to City Hall. Join us for the ceremony on Friday, April 23 at 9 a.m.
The Autumn Blaze Maple has become one of the most popular hybrids of a Red maple (Acer rubrum) and Silver Leaf Maple (Acer saccharinum) and this particular hybrid was discovered by Glenn Jeffers in the 1960s. The Autumn Blaze combines some of the best features from both parents with beautiful fall color from the Red Maple and the fast growth from the Silver Leaf Maple. Despite its fast growth it is generally stronger than both parent trees. This particular tree was chosen to increase species diversity in the park. In the fall, the leaves will turn a brilliant long-lasting orange-red that will bring a vibrant splash of color to the Quakertown Park.
The Tree City USA program began in 1976 as a nationwide movement to give communities a framework to manage and expand their public trees. Tree City USA status is achieved by meeting 4 core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.