Department of Parks and Recreation
Trees
Arlington has a long history of having incredible trees. We are still in the process of a multi-year study called our natural resources heritage inventory. As a result of that inventory we have identified about 170 that are for their size and condition, 53 that are champions of Arlington, and another 32 that are state champions. This list will continue to grow as we assess all these valuable community resources. With 1200 acres of County parkland, public buildings, Public Schools, regional parkland and the contribution of great growing spaces from the federal property (Parkway, Arlington National Cemetery) we have plenty of opportunity for having great trees.
Trees are one of our most valuable natural resources. Please click the following links for information on how to support tree plantings and programs in Arlington and for information on caring for trees. Please see below for further information on Arlington's trees.
Further Information:
Tree canopy coverage in Arlington has been classified into 3 categories: Areas with "Heavy Tree Cover" have a tree canopy that covers over 50% of the area. "Moderate Tree Cover" is defined as having 20% to 49% canopy coverage. Areas with "Low Tree Cover" have less than 20% of the area covered by tree canopy.
During the past 3 decades, the proportion of the County classified as having "Heavy Tree Cover" has declined by about 41.6% (based upon satellite imagery from 1997, there are 3,559 acres in this category, down from 6,096 acres). In areas of "Moderate Tree Cover" there are now 552 acres, while there had been 1,608 acres (a 65.7% decrease). Arlington County has lost significant tree cover during the past 30 years, with many areas that used to be classified as Heavy Tree Cover, now classified as Moderate or Low. Many areas that were classified as having Moderate Tree Cover are now classified as having Low Tree Cover.
The County plants over 1,200 trees per year on public property, plus gives away over 1,000 trees each year during through civic associations during Neighborhood Day for people to plant on private property.
The County typically plants trees that are 1 ½" to 3 ½" in diameter at breast height, depending upon location, species selection, and/or other factors, with most being in the middle of that range.
The County currently has about 18,500 street trees. 2,500 possible sites for more street trees have also been identified. In addition, more trees can be planted in parks and in other public spaces. The Board also requires tree replacements for construction activities on private property.
The County also has numerous trees in parks and around public buildings. Arlington Public Schools has numerous trees on school property and the County assists school officials, PTAs and other groups plant trees on school property.
Each year 500-600 trees are removed due to age, storm damage, vehicle damage, vandalism, disease, drought, and a variety of other factors. These trees are much larger than ones that can be planted. Most canopy loss is on private property.
In addition to tree planting, the County takes care of existing trees with pruning, dead-wooding, cabling, and an invasive species removal program that has about 500 volunteers each year helping to get rid of plants that harm trees and the environment (e.g. English Ivy, Porcelainberry, Kudzu).
Tree Removal Permits
As a rule there is no permit required to remove trees which are on private property in Arlington County - however, there are some specific exceptions when a permit is required.
If your property is within an Historic Area, you will need a permit from the Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB). Permission is required from the Board to remove a tree over 15-inches in diameter. If you property is in an Historic Area or are not certain whether it is in an Historic Area, you may contact Michael Leventhal, staff liaison for HALRB, for more information.
If your property is within a Resource Protection Area (RPA) you will need permission from the Department Of Environmental Services (DES) before any vegetation may be removed. Resource Protection Areas are areas within 100-feet of a stream. RPAs may be extended more than 100-feet depending on how much slope there is along the stream. If your property is within a stream RPA or you are not certain whether your property is within a stream RPA, you may contact Jason Papacosma in DES.
If your trees are dead, both of these permits will be granted quickly. These programs are concerned with living trees or vegetation and will allow removal of hazardous trees with minimum process.
TREE PROGRAMS
• Notable Tree Program
• Public Tree Planting Program
• Commemorative Tree Program
• Champion Trees
• Specimen Trees
TREE SUPPORTERS
• Beautification Committee
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Urban Forestry Commission
• Tree Stewards
TREE CARE
• Tree Care Tips
• Tree Pests Including Borers
& Gypsy Moths
• Things You Should Know About
Watering Trees
• Tree Preservation Ordinance
TREE PUBLICATIONS
• Champion Tree Brochure (PDF 2 MB)
• Notable Tree Brochure (PDF 515 KB)
• Training Manual for Virginia Tree Stewards
