December Newsletter
Arbor Day Tree Dedicated to Tim Brown
In honor of his many years of service to Newport and its trees, The City of Newport dedicated this year's Arbor Day planting to the late Tim Brown last week. Tim was one of the founding members of the Newport Tree Conservancy in 1987, and a lifelong advocate for Newport's trees. Pictured above, the new tulip tree in Morton park surrounded by members of Tim's family.
Sponsor a Commemorative Tree
This fall, ten new public trees were planted in Newport through our Commemorative Tree Program. Sponsoring a new tree planting is a fantastic way to celebrate a major event or memorialize a loved one.

A limited number of planting sites will be available each spring and fall. A certificate will be issued that details the planting, sponsor, and honoree. To view our next round of available sites, click the button below.
Let's Keep Planting!
Newport's urban forest is strengthened and sustained by the support of community members like you who join us in our mission. We hope that you will consider a year-end contribution to The Newport Tree Conservancy in support of our shared tree canopy. Your support is essential to our ability to maintain the vibrancy of our urban forest and plant for the future. 
Tree of the Year 2021
After much consideration, between a wide-range of worthy candidates, Living Collections Manager, Joe Verstandig has made his selection for the 2021 Newport Tree of the Year:

As 2021 comes to a close, it’s always enjoyable to look back on the photos and memories of a year looking up at glorious trees. There were many standouts, from gorgeous flower-laden specimens to humbling behemoths that have stood the test of time. Through all the wonderful trees I’ve witnessed in my first year in Newport, one tree in particular deserves some extra recognition. The noble London plane (Platanus x acerifolia) tree scraping the skies on Mill Street is the 2021 recipient of Tree of the Year.

London plane bark starts to exfoliate towards the end of summer, and this specimen has done so with style. The eye-catching multi-colored trunk is a joy to witness. Observing the tree closely, and looking back at old google street view photos, it can be confirmed that first class stewardship has played a great role in the tree’s success. With proper pruning, the tree’s crown has been trained to fit perfectly into the small space it occupies. Adjacent houses and windows are thankful!
A beautiful tree that tells its story to every admirer who may encounter it. Well-deserving of 2021 Tree of the Year, and may it live on for many, many more.

-Joe
Upcoming Events
Friday January 14, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Redwood Library & Athenaeum
Free

Viburnums are among the most beautiful ornamental shrubs and small trees available to New England gardens.
The flowers, foliage, fruit, and graceful habit of viburnums make them a treasure to behold throughout the four seasons. Join NTC Living Collections Manager Joe Verstandig as he takes us through the very best species and varieties to cultivate in your garden, and touches on viburnums presently in Newport’s collection. He will also discuss general culture, propagation, pests, diseases, and where to go to see and purchase viburnums.