In 2011, the City of Norfolk Tree Advisory Board began awarding the Green Leaf Award. This year, both a resident and a business have been recognized.

The Green Leaf Award honors properties for exceptional landscaping based on nominations submitted between August and September. Winners of the residential and business categories are selected for their “curb appeal” — the property’s visible appeal from the street — as well as the incorporation of trees.

This year’s Green Leaf Award for Business goes to CalmWater Financial Group/Brogan Lammli, located at 3204 West Benjamin Avenue. The artful arrangement of planting beds featuring perennials, combined with a variety of trees thoughtfully placed throughout the property, creates a welcoming, mature landscape.

The Green Leaf Residence Award is awarded to Jay Wolfe, whose property at 2306 Random Road showcases a diverse array of mature trees, highlighted by perennial beds that bloom throughout the growing season. This carefully cultivated landscape has transformed the yard into a botanical wonderland, reflecting a true labor of love.

Past winners of the Green Leaf Award include: Women’s Health of Northeast Nebraska (2011); Sunset Plaza Mall (2012); Stratton, Delay, Doele, Carlson & Buettner, PC LLO (2013); Faith Regional Health Services (2014); Northeast Community College and Bob & Nancy Boe (2015); Deets HomeStore and Marsha Eckert (2016); McDonald’s on Riverside Boulevard and Dennis Collins (2017); and Immaculata Monastery and Ron and Carol Krutsinger (2018); Raising Cane’s and Jay & Brenda Fleecs (2019); U.S. Bank Memorial and Paul & Sally Splittgerber (2020); Nebraska Extension in Madison County, Carol Severa, and Scott & Donna Andrew (2021); Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors, and Brandon Dailey (2023).

The tree board is grateful for the efforts, dedication, and investment that citizens have placed in their landscaping as it helps beautify and enhance the city. The Tree Advisory Board will be accepting nominations again next summer.