Planting a Tree on Public Property
Why do we plant trees?
Trees provide shade, wildlife habitat, capture stormwater, and can improve property values (Learn more here). The 2023 Forestry and Natural Resources Plan set a target of 40% tree canopy across the County, with a focus on planting trees in Tree Equity Areas, and a goal to improve the percentage of native trees in the County. We plant trees to meet these goals and improve neighborhoods across the County.
Do you know a barren spot around town that could use a tree? A park, library or recreation center? A street island or right of way? If so, let us know through selecting “Tree Planting” on our Report-a-problem tool.
How does the program work?
Forestry staff identify tree planting locations on public property and rights-of-way by looking at areas where trees were recently removed, areas with canopy gaps, and in response to tree planting requests from our Report-a-problem tool
Staff then evaluate these sites to see if they comply with administrative regulation 4.3 for tree planting on public land. Staff considers issues such as traffic safety and avoiding conflicts with existing infrastructure or upcoming projects.
When a suitable site is selected, an appropriate tree may be scheduled for the next planting season. The typical planting seasons are Fall (Oct 1 – Dec 15) and Spring (Mar 1 – May 30). Trees are ordered for the next Fall by July 1, and for the next Spring by October 1.
Where do we plant trees?
Trees are planted along roads, in rights-of-ways, parks, and other County-managed property. Roads managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation may also get trees planted on them. You can learn more about who owns different property, and where rights-of-way are by visiting the Arlington County Mapping Center
What types of trees are planted?
The Forestry and Natural Resources Plan set a County-wide goal to have least 70% regionally native trees by 2035. To help reach this goal, regionally native trees are prioritized on public land and rights-of-way. Staff also work to optimize the diversity of tree species selected, to reduce the risk of large-scale die-off when a new disease or pest is introduced. Lists of trees typically used can be found on our recommended trees page .
What does the County do after planting?
Watering: While anyone is encouraged to water public trees, all planted trees are watered during their first growing season by contractors, and watered during their second growing season by in-house staff. Watering is typically done once every two weeks. Tree bags empty within 30 minutes to 2 hours from watering, so the watering bags are empty most of the time. Anyone is permitted to water public trees extra if they are able.
Maintenance: All trees along streets are inspected at least every 5 years through our Circuit tree maintenance program. If you think a tree needs work (including staking young trees), you can create a Tree inspection/maintenance ticket through our report-a-problem tool.
Replacement: Newly planted trees have a one-year warranty and are inspected and replaced if they die within that timeframe. After the warranty expires, all trees removed are considered for replacement on a case-by-case basis.
Can I maintain or remove a tree on public property or right-of-way?
No. Causing damage to trees and shrubs on public land and rights-of-way can lead to a Class 3 misdemeanor. Publicly owned trees are protected by the Trees & Shrubs ordinance. While anyone is permitted to water public trees, all maintenance of public trees must be done by County staff or County contractors, or by those given permission by urban forestry staff. If you believe a tree needs an inspection, please submit a Tree Inspection / Maintenance ticket through the Report-a-Problem tool
Questions
For questions about the tree planting program not answered on this page, reach out to urbanforestry@arlingtonva.us
