Ready to apply for a tree? Here’s a link to the application.
Program Overview
Concerned about the declining tree canopy in Arlington? We are, too!
The goal of the Tree Canopy Fund is to increase Arlington County’s tree canopy. Through this program, owners of private property, including single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and places of worship, can apply to get a native tree planted on their property. Grants are also available for the maintenance of large mature trees.
The program was originally authorized by Arlington County Board in 2007. The program is administered by EcoAction Arlington in partnership with the Urban Forestry Commission. Since its inception, we have planted more than 3,000 trees!
One individual who received a tree from the Tree Canopy Fund, Phyllis Castillo, shared her experience with us here.
“The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) appreciates taking part in the Tree Canopy Fund program, which provides us with the ability to beautify our properties with new trees. Planting these trees is something that normally would not fall within our means to do.”
Nina Janopaul, the CEO/President of Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing
Tree Planting 2022-2023 Season
We typically offer two opportunities per year to apply for free trees. Applications are due in January for Spring planting and in June for Fall planting.
Spring 2023 Tree Planting
Deadline: midnight on Friday, January 6
Tree Type: review the available species list here. The goal of the Tree Canopy Fund is to plant large canopy trees wherever possible on private property. Do you have space on your property for a large canopy tree? If so, then please fill out the Spring 2023 Tree Planting Application Form.
Before You Apply: please review the Tree Canopy Fund Guidelines for Spring 2023 and the Background Material and Resources page for more information about this tree planting program and different tree species.
To Apply: fill out an online application for each tree. Property owners may apply for more than one tree. We also recommend reviewing the PDF of the application so you are prepared with everything you need to apply.
Important Note – we invite residents and leaders in the 10 target neighborhoods of our Tree Canopy Equity Program to participate through this exclusive portal which allows participants access to special species. (These neighborhoods include: Arlington View; Aurora Highlands; Buckingham; Columbia Heights; Glebewood; Green Valley; John M Langston; Long Branch Creek; Penrose; and Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights.)
Fall 2023 Tree Planting
Program details to get a tree planted in the Fall of 2023 will be posted by May. These applications will be due in June 2023. Please check our website for updates.
Learn about the process from application to planting and meet Tree Canopy Fund recipient: Wilma Jones
Tree Maintenance
We are running a pilot program to provide maintenance for mature trees in good health on private property that are going to survive for many years to come. Please review program details here to see if your tree(s) are eligible. In order to be considered for the program, you must fill out the Maintenance Pilot Program application.
We also offer funding for maintenance to be performed on specific trees designated as both Specimen Trees through the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Champion Trees by Arlington County. More information is available on the Arlington County website: Specimen Trees and Champion Tree Program. Please fill out the same Maintenance Pilot Program application.