LADY LAKE, FL (352today.com) – The Town of Lady Lake has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 21st consecutive year, continuing a long-standing commitment to urban forestry, environmental stewardship and community beautification.
To earn the designation, communities must meet four core standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation: maintaining a tree board or department, adopting a tree care ordinance, investing at least $2 per capita in a community forestry program, and observing Arbor Day annually.
The Town of Lady Lake celebrates Arbor Day each April with community tree plantings. Over the last several years, the town has planted trees in public spaces such as Lake County Fire Station 52 and Lady Lake Town Hall. This year, Parks and Recreation joined Public Works in a large-scale landscaping project along County Road 466, planting palm trees, crepe myrtles and zoysia grass, as well as updating the irrigation system.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., the town invites the public to a tree planting ceremony outside the grounds of The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake.
Lady Lake is also currently hosting an annual Tree Raffle, providing residents with the opportunity to receive $200 gift certificates to purchase trees from a local nursery. The raffle is funded through the town’s tree bank, which is supported by developer contributions when tree preservation requirements cannot be fully met on-site.
Through its land development regulations, the town requires developers to contribute to the tree bank to offset tree removal, reinforcing Lady Lake’s commitment to responsible growth and long-term environmental sustainability.
Communities recognized as Tree City USA demonstrate that thoughtful investment in trees contributes to cooler temperatures, improved air quality, increased property values and an enhanced quality of life for residents.
“This recognition reflects the pride our community takes in preserving and enhancing Lady Lake’s natural beauty,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske. “We are not only protecting our existing tree canopy, but also ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from a greener Town.”