1997 URBAN TREE OF THE YEAR The Society of Municipal Arborists is proud to present its 1997 Urban Tree of the Year: the Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac. Brought to the United States in 1876 from Japan, this tree can be grown in clumps or single stem. The lilac is classified as a "vigorous grower;" its cherry bark and large, lilac leaves make the tree very striking in spring and fall. Useful as a specimen or a street tree?EUR??,,????'??+ as well as in a group, screen, or windbreak?EUR??,,????'??+ the lilac is excellent for planting under utility wires and in planters. PROBABLY THE MOST TROUBLE FREE AND TOUGH LILAC AVAILABLE, THE IVORY SILK JAPANESE TREE LILAC HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE SOCIETY 0F MUNICIPAL ARBORISTS' URBAN TREE OF THE YEAR. PHOTO PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF MUNICIPAL ARBORISTS.