All Santa Fe's newly budding trees weren't enough to garner it a spot on the Tree City USA list issued this week by the New Mexico Forestry Division and the National Arbor Day Foundation.

While the city has a lot of trees, it still has to do a few things to earn the official designation, something city Parks Division Director Fabian Chavez is already working on.

Nine cities and military installations across the state were acknowledged this week for their community-based urban forestry efforts, according to State Forester Arthur "Butch" Blazer. Roswell has met the Tree City criteria for the last 18 years; Albuquerque for 11 years.

"Through the years, these communities have displayed a true dedication to urban forestry and the important role trees play in our environment," said Blazer in a news statement. "Their example is a model for other urban and rural areas across the state."

Lance Davisson, program manager for the state's Urban and Community Forestry Program, said he met with Chavez on Monday about the program and was impressed with actions the city parks division are already taking to promote healthy trees in the community.

Davisson said cities must meet primary criteria to be included on the Tree City list. They must have a tree-care ordinance and an Arbor Day Proclamation, spend $2 per person on tree care and establish an urban forestry board. Those on the list receive official Arbor Day plaques and flags each year.

The money might sound like a lot, but Davisson said many communities find they are already spending that much when they look at cost of city parks, pruning, planting and watering.

The tree ordinance might be the tricky aspect for Santa Fe. Back in 2002, drought forced city officials to ban watering outdoor plants, including trees. Even city-owned trees had to go thirsty.

Davisson said his job is to help communities meet the criteria given their unique geography and needs. He said urban forests have a lot of benefits. They shade buildings and paved streets, reducing the amount of energy needed for cooling. Trees reduce soil erosion and storm water run-off, and they increase property values. Plus, trees are nice to look at, improving the aesthetics in a town.

An urban forestry program can help promote those aspects, he said.

He said the city, under Chavez's direction, is already doing some unique things, and he doesn't think they'll have problems getting on the Tree City list if officials choose to pursue it. He said Chavez is working on a tree inventory and developing a list of recommended trees to plant locally in various micro-climates. The city is also looking to diversify the types of trees in the city so they are less susceptible to a bug infestation or disease.

Contact Staci Matlock at 470-9843 or smatlock@sfnewmexican.com.