This utility box pays homage to South Pasadena’s designation as a Tree City USA community. Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, the community must achieve four 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.
South Pasadena has had this designation for 17 consecutive years.
A few benefits of having a mature urban canopy: trees increase property values, trees reduce energy consumption, trees reduce crime, trees unite neighborhoods, trees benefit wildlife, trees reduce the effects of climate change and trees clear our air.
This box is one of my favorites because of the theme, use of color as well as its painterly quality. It echoes its surroundings and the purple pops against the saturated greens of this piece.
I think trees bring much charm and character to the landscape. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up and still live in this idyllic town filled with these beauties. Stay tuned for box #10!
*Tina