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 maintenance of champion 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 2,000 trees!
One individual who received a tree from the Tree Canopy Fund, Phyllis Castillo, shared her experience with us here.
Nina Janopaul, the CEO/President of Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, had this to say about our program: “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.”
We typically offer two opportunities per year to apply for free trees. Applications are due in June for Fall planting. Applications are due in December for Spring planting.
Deadline: midnight on Monday, June 29
Tree Type: We are offering two different sized trees during the Fall 2020 planting cycle. Review the available species list here. Please read below to see which tree type (large or small) you qualify for. The tree that you decide to apply for depends on the space that you have.
Large Shade Tree: The goal of the Tree Canopy Fund is to plant large canopy trees wherever possible. Do you have space on your property for a large canopy tree? If so, then please fill out the Large Tree Application Form.
Small Tree: Do you have a small front yard constrained by overhead utility lines? We are offering smaller trees which will work only in front yards with limited space. Side yards with overhead utility lines, where the planting spot would shade a public sidewalk, will also be considered. Backyard spots do not qualify for these trees. All sites requesting a small tree will be inspected to confirm space limitations. If you have an eligible spot that is constrained by overhead utility lines, then please fill out the Small Tree Application Form.
Before You Apply: Please review the Tree Canopy Fund Guidelines for Fall 2020 and the Background Material and Resources page for more information about this tree planting program and different tree species.
Applications to get a tree planted in the Spring of 2021 will be posted this Fall. These applications will be due in December. Please continue to check our website for more updates.
We 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: Champion Tree Program and Specimen Trees. Please email our team to request support: [email protected].
