KETTERING, Ohio — The City of Kettering is launching a new initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring trees in neighborhoods that enhances the landscape of the community. 

The Heritage Tree Program mimics the Kettering’s Neighborhood Pride program, which has honored property owners that have made improvements to homes and businesses.

"This celebratory program allows us to appreciate the environmental and aesthetic gifts provided by the remarkable trees around us," read a City of Kettering press release.

Here's how the program works:

• The city will award 10 trees each year throughout the community
• If awarded, applicants who submitted the tree will be provided a plaque to display within the given property for about eight weeks
• A program nomination form can be submitted by an owner or neighboring property owner
• The applicants who receive an award will be recognized in city publications and on social media
• Awarded trees will also be added to the City of Kettering Heritage Tree Program database

"A tree is defined as a perennial plant having a single woody main trunk usually characterized by the ability to grow to considerable size and the development of woody branches," the city wrote, outlining requirements for the submissions. "Shrubs, bushes, ornamentals and fruit trees are not included."

More details can be found here.