Tree Commission Information

Tree City USA

Tree City USA.

Tree City USA is a national program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Communities achieve "Tree City USA" status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management:

  • Establishment of a tree board or commission
  • Adopting a tree ordinance
  • Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forest management
  • Holding an annual Arbor Day celebration

The City of Canton achieved Tree City USA status in 2015 and 2016!

Regulations for Tree Contractors

Contractors performing tree cutting, removal, treating, or pruning work on any tree located within Canton city limits on public and private property are required to be approved by the City of Canton Arborist and licensed by the City. For a current list of registered tree contractors, please see list below in the Tree Commission Documents.

Tree Contractor List

Tree Commission

The Tree Commission is several years old, established in 2013, and has been helping the City of Canton to make strides in the protection and nurturing of its trees each year since then.

Events

Arbor Day 2023

On Friday, April 28, we held our 10th Annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park.  

2023 Arbor Day Photos


Arbor Day 2022

On Friday, April 29th we held our ninth annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. We were treated to a beautiful sunny day and returning to our full, in-person program after two years of a limited programming due to COVID was welcomed by all. While attendance was down a bit from pre-COVID years, we had a steady stream of visitors who were happy to celebrate trees, learn about all the benefits they provide, visit over delicious grilled hotdogs and snacks, and take home free tree seedlings.  Our Mayoral Proclamation was read and a ceremonial tree was planted.  We held our annual photo contest too (Theme:  “How Are Trees Connected to Me?”) with cash prizes thanks to our photo contest sponsor, Standard Printing Company.  We’re looking forward to our celebration in 2023!


2022 Photo Contest Winner Toni Datkuliac

2022 Arbor Day Tree donated & planted by owner Brian Rice & son JT of Rice's Landscapes Redefined

Arbor Day 2021

Arbor Day will be held on Friday April 30th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and the Canton Garden Center, Stadium Park. We will have a drive-by seedling give away, with no in person events. 

The Tree Commission of Canton, Ohio is holding an online photo contest through Flickr. Photos can be viewed through the link below.

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/192589860@N02/ 

View photos of Arbor Day 2021

Arbor Day 2020

The Tree Commission of Canton, Ohio invites kindergarten through second grade classes across the City to participate in its 2020 Arbor Day poster contest, which gives students the opportunity to use their creativity while learning about the importance of trees. All students in grades K-2 including Special Education in the City of Canton are eligible to enter their school’s poster contest. Each school may submit three posters per grade: K, 1, 2, and Special Education to the City of Canton Tree Commission 2020 Arbor Day Poster Contest. Maximum of 12 posters/school.

Once again we are proud (and excited) to announce an Arbor Day Photo Contest, for details read the What Trees Mean To Me Arbor Day Photo Contest (PDF).

UPDATE - The 2020 Arbor Day Celebration is currently postponed to a later date, which is to be determined.

Arbor Day 2019

On Friday, April 26th we celebrated our sixth annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. We had a rather chilly and rainy day, yet over 50 people came out to help us celebrate trees, listen to live music performed by Josee McGee, share good conversation over yummy refreshments, and take home free tree seedlings. We were especially pleased to host students from Worley Elementary School, who brightened up the event with their enthusiasm and appreciation for trees. Once again we held our annual photo contest with cash prizes thanks to our photo contest sponsor, Standard Printing Company. This year’s photo contest theme was ‘Harmony of Trees’ and garnered 24 lovely entries. The photos were showcased during the Arbor Day celebration and those in attendance voted for their favorites. The photos were then displayed at the Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography during the May 3rd First Friday event in downtown Canton, where the winners were announced by Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei and their cash prizes awarded.

Arbor Day 2018

On Friday, April 27th we celebrated our fifth annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. Over 90 attended the event, celebrated trees and all they do for us, listened to live music performed by Michael George, ate refreshments, and took home free tree seedlings. We were able to feature our annual photo contest with cash prizes in conjunction with the event, thanks to a generous donation from Standard Printing Company. The photo contest theme was ‘Tree-Mend-Us’ and garnered 40 entries. The photos were showcased during the Arbor Day celebration and those in attendance were able to vote for their favorites. The photos were then displayed at the Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography the following Friday evening at the May 4th First Friday event in downtown Canton, where the winners were announced and given cash prizes.

Arbor Day 2017

On Friday, April 28, 2017 the City of Canton held its fourth annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. Thanks to a grant from ArtsinStark we featured the photo contest again with the theme this year of “Celebrating Trees” and cash prizes for the winners.  Over 175 people attended the event, voted for their favorite photos while listening to local artist Michael George perform, toured the garden center grounds learning about tree benefits, and made tree crafts and learned about trees from OSUE Stark County Master Gardener Volunteers. Once again we provided refreshments and offered free tree seedlings.

Arbor Day 2016

On Friday, April 29, 2016 the City of Canton held its third annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. New this year was the addition of a photography contest with the theme "Trees are Artists Too." Our goal was to raise awareness of trees by showcasing their beauty as well as the talents of City residents. We displayed over 60 photo entries on Arbor Day and asked the public to vote for their favorites. A grant from ArtsinStark enabled us to offer cash prizes to the winners. Over 70 people attended the event, heard live music performed by Brian Henke, made tree crafts, received information about trees and their benefits, and took home a free tree seedling for their yard. The program also included a ceremonial tree planting and refreshments.

Arbor Day 2015

On Friday, April 24, 2015 the City of Canton held its second annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Canton Garden Center in Stadium Park. This year’s event included a ceremonial tree planting to honor Andy Mitchell, friend and former AEP representative on the Tree Commission, who passed away suddenly last year. Andy’s family, co-workers, and fellow members of the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department attended the event. The program also included crafts for kids, tree care information, and refreshments.

Arbor Day 2014

On Saturday, May 3, 2014 the City of Canton observed its first annual Arbor Day Celebration at Nimisilla Park. The event included tree and flower plantings, tree seedling giveaways, tree crafts, hayrides, and refreshments. This annual event brings community members together to recognize and celebrate our trees.