FAll 2026 applications are now open! Apply by june 30, 2026
EcoAction Arlington Tree Planting Program Overview
EcoAction Arlington is dedicated to expanding Arlington’s tree canopy through our tree planting program. This program was launched in 2007 with support from Arlington County and funding from the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund. Today we have expanded this effort with the support of other generous funders with a new initiative that focuses on addressing tree inequity.
Donations to support the Arlington County Tree Planting Program and Tree Canopy Equity Program are welcome and enable our community to plant more trees that provide shade, increase health benefits, and benefit wildlife. If applications for trees exceed the amount we are able to provide through current funding, we will prioritize applicants that donate to offset tree planting costs.
Review Our Process
Phase 1
Preparing for your application
- Review applicant responsibilities and program overview.
- Review our list of 13 tree equity neighborhoods below to see if you are eligible for the Tree Canopy Equity Program
- Review the relevant species list
- Complete a Tree Steward Request Form to get help with species selection or site selection
- Checklist for your tree application
- Tree Planting Program Guidelines
Phase 2
Completing your application
Residents of single-family homes and townhomes may apply for up to 2 trees and/or shrubs*.
Other properties, including apartments, condos, and places of worship, may apply for up to 10 trees and/or shrubs*. If you are applying for 4 trees or more, please email trees@ecoactionarlington.org to request a group application.
Complete the appropriate application:
- Tree Canopy Equity Program Application (see note below)
Tree Planting Program Guidelines
Resources for completing your application
NOTE: *Shrubs are only available through the Tree Canopy Equity Program. The equity program application is for residents of the following neighborhoods only: Arlington Mill, Arlington View, Aurora Highlands, Barcroft, Buckingham, Columbia Heights, Glebewood, Glencarlyn, Green Valley, John M Langston, Long Branch Creek, Penrose, and Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights.
Phase 3
Planting and Maintenance
The property owner is responsible for watering the tree.
A contractor will plant all trees approved by the review committee.
Contact A tree Steward
Tree Stewards are available to help with species selection, location where to plant a tree, and other issues related to tree planting or tree maintenance. To request a tree steward please complete The Tree Steward Request form.
Submit your application based on your neighborhood
Tree Canopy Equity Program
Recognizing the need for environmental justice and wanting to address the disparities in tree coverage across the county, we created the Tree Canopy Equity Program. This initiative focuses on planting in civic associations where sustained efforts can make the most impact to improve health and quality of life. We aim to ensure that everyone in Arlington County can enjoy the benefits of a greener, healthier community.
If you live in one of these 13 neighborhoods submit the Tree Canopy Equity application:
- Arlington Mill
- Arlington View
- Aurora Highlands
- Barcroft
- Buckingham
- Columbia Heights
- Glebewood
- Glencarlyn
- Green Valley
- John M Langston
- Long Branch Creek
- Penrose
- Radnor/Fort Meyer Heights
Tree Planting Program
Since 2007, with the approval of the Arlington County Board, this initiative has been a collaboration between EcoAction Arlington and the Arlington County Forestry and Natural Resources Commission. Over the years, we have successfully planted more than 3,800 trees!
If you live in a neighborhood other than the 13 listed under Tree Canopy Equity Program, fill out this form.
Applying for the Tree Canopy Fund could get you a 5% credit on your stormwater utility bill!
Trees help stormwater management by intercepting rainfall and reducing stress on the stormwater system. Large canopy trees planted through the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund are eligible for a 5% stormwater utility credit. Eligibility is based on the native tree being 1” caliper, and the number of trees required to receive credit varies from 1 to 4 trees.
WATCH THIS VIDEO
From Application to Planting with Wilma Jones, Tree Canopy Equity Program Recipient