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TREE TREE
Each fall, members of the Society of Municipal Arborists
(SMA) select the next year's SMA Urban Tree of the Year. For
2022, musclewood (Carpinus carolinana) lifted its weight to
the top. This species is treasured for its bark that looks like
sinewy flexed muscles, for the wildlife to which it appeals (and
helpfully, the wildlife to which it doesn't greatly appeal—i.e.
rabbits and deer), handsome leaves and fruits, and strong per-
formance in moderately stressful urban situations. It can be
grown multi- or single-stem and in an urban setting matures
anywhere from 15-30 feet (4.6 to 9.1 m) tall and wide. >>
Musclewood
(Carpinus caroliniana)
By Michelle Sutton, City Trees Editor
Photos by Michelle Sutton except where noted
Announcing the 2022 SMA Urban Tree of the Year:
www.urban-forestry.com 33
