Grove City was named a Tree City USA community for the 30th consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA award recognizes more than 3,500 communities nationwide, with a combined population of 150 million that meet tree conservation goals as part of their community forestry program.

Maintaining this designation includes:

  • Recognizing that trees are assets to the community
  • Improving the visual appeal of neighborhoods
  • Increasing property values
  • Reducing home cooling costs
  • Removing air pollutants among many other benefits.

Each year, the Grove City Service Department Urban Forestry staff and Grove City Tree Commission volunteers work to promote comprehensive tree care, tree education and community pride at the EcoFest and throughout the City.

This marks Ohio’s 42nd consecutive year as the top Tree City USA state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Forestry.

For information regarding tree care or the Grove City Tree Commission, visit the Urban Forestry page or call the Grove City Service Department at 614-277-1100.

Joe Heiby standing under the tree

Then and Now – The Centuries-Old Mighty White Oak

Though the arms of one individual alone cannot wrap completely around its more than 132-inch circumference, the historic white oak tree on the grounds of the new Beulah Park Middle School did receive hugs of preservation during the school’s recent construction.

The City of Grove City and South-Western City School District enlisted the exceptional services of Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation to ensure the health of the oak. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, the tree is likely more than 220 years old and thought to be one of the oldest — if not the oldest — tree in Grove City.

Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage and Principal Dr. Chad Clark of Beulah Park Middle School

Living as long ago as the year Ohio became a state, it’s not difficult to imagine the generations of families who enjoyed its shade or the children who challenged themselves to climb its thick limbs. Perhaps it was a common marker when providing directions or a quiet place for a farmer to rest after working the fields.

Special care was taken by architects and crews to accommodate the historic landmark, leaving an undisturbed area around the trunk of at least 40 feet to preserve its health. The arboriculturists at Ahlum & Arbor closely cared for the mighty oak throughout the construction of the school, pruning, fertilizing, root aerating and providing treatments to encourage root health.

Successfully kept safe and standing approximately 95 feet tall, the tree is now a treasured natural landmark on the grounds of Beulah Park Middle School. In the years to come, it’s likely many a student will sit daydreaming in the cool shade of its nearly 90-foot canopy, leaning against the centuries-old wrinkles of the white oak bark.