The city of Gainesville now has certified arborists on staff to help citizens with questions about trees and tree care.

Several city employees recently completed the certified arborist examination administered through the International Society of Arboriculture and Southern Chapter of the ISA.

City employees representing various departments actively participated in a certified arborist training program.

The city received $7,400 in funding through the Georgia Forestry Commission's Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program to help with the training cost.

The training program included a series of four, five-hour classes organized by Technical Forestry Services Inc. to provide basic knowledge of tree biology, selection and establishment, tree care and maintenance and urban forestry.

For more information call Jessica Tullar, Special Projects
Manager for the Gainesville Community Development Office at 770-531-6570.