Due to its urban forestry efforts in 2020, the City of Novi was recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) for the 29th time.

To earn a Tree City USA accreditation, a city must meet the following standards each year:

• A Tree Board or Department that’s legally responsible for the care of all trees on public property must be in place.
• A basic tree care ordinance must be in place.
• The community’s forestry program must have an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
• Communities must host an annual Arbor Day observance event and an official Arbor Day proclamation must be passed by public officials. (The requirement for an in-person event was waived in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Novi also earned its 11th consecutive Growth Award from the ADF for going above and beyond the four Tree City USA standards. The following activities contributed to Novi’s Growth Award:

• The City planted 491 trees and 1,412 shrubs in 2020.
  • 240 trees planted along streets
  • 126 trees planted in City parks
  • 885 shrubs planted in City parks 
  • 536 shrubs planted for major road media project
  • 125 oak saplings planted for Oakland County Bicentennial celebration
• The City’s contractors pruned 4,268 street trees in 2020 to improve growth form, remove deadwood and reduce hazards
• Novi carried out invasive species removal projects to address invasive buckthorn in Ella Mae Power Park and Village Wood Lake Park and removed invasive phragmites from parks and public Rights-of-Way throughout the City.
• The City hosted several environmentally based presentations in person when possible, then virtually after limitations were placed on gatherings. Some topics included proper tree pruning and planting practices, protecting pollinators, and the benefits of urban wildlife.
• City staff took part in several continued education opportunities to advance their knowledge in urban forestry topics.