BY TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
An enduring Merrill tradition, the City of Merrill has again achieved Tree City USA status for 2022. “This marks our 37th year as Tree City USA,” said Dan Wendorf, Director of the Merrill Parks & Recreation Department, “And we are very proud to achieve this tremendous honor again this year.”
“The Merrill Parks & Recreation Department crew planted over 120 trees in 2022, and 180 trees this fall on city boulevards and in city parks,” he said. “The City of Merrill has a very rich and longstanding tradition in supporting urban forestry through tree planting, tree care, and beautification.”
Merrill Mayor Steve Hass also proclaimed Nov. 2, 2023, to be Arbor Day in Merrill. In his proclamation, Hass urged citizens to plant trees to gladden the hearts and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
“We are very thankful to have such a supportive community,” Wendorf said. “… 37 years as a Tree City USA speaks volumes about how we feel about our valuable trees here in Merrill.”
Wendorf added that City of Merrill residents are allowed (even encouraged) to plant trees on their personal property without a permit as long as the tree(s) are on the approved species list in the City of Merrill Code of Ordinances. Public property, boulevard, and right-of-way tree planting is prohibited without an approved planting permit, he said.