In 2024 the program is expanding in 3 new neighborhoods!
For more information, contact us at treeequity@ecoactionarlington.org
Click here to get information about applying to get a tree on your property including lists of species available.
EcoAction Arlington proudly administers the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund and the planting of over 3,000 native trees on private property—free of charge—since 2009. The Tree Canopy Equity Program takes these efforts in a focused and exciting direction.
Our neighbors of color and those experiencing poverty, predominantly live in neighborhoods with low tree canopy coverage.. Environmental degradation disproportionately impacts these members of our community resulting in poorer physical and mental health outcomes, higher utility costs, and lower quality of life. Improving tree canopy coverage has far-reaching benefits, including reduced summer peak temperatures and air pollution, removal of carbon dioxide, enhanced property values, greater wildlife habitat, aesthetic benefits, improved social ties among neighbors, and reduced flooding.
EcoAction Arlington launched the Tree Canopy Equity Program (TCEP) in 2022 to address this need, identifying 10 neighborhoods that would benefit most from targeted, sustained tree planting efforts based on tree canopy and heat island data, combined with demographic data. Three addditional neighborhoods were added in 2024.
Tree Canopy Equity Program Target Neighborhoods:
- Arlington View
- Arlington Mill
- Aurora Highlands
- Barcroft
- Buckingham
- Columbia Heights
- Glebewood
- Glencarlyn
- Green Valley
- John M Langston
- Long Branch Creek
- Penrose
- Radnor/Ft.Myer Heights
Applying for the Tree Canopy Fund could get you a 5% credit on your stormwater utility bill in 2025!
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 1-4 trees. Click Here To Learn More
EcoAction Arlington offers two planting seasons per year in the Spring and Fall. Applications for Fall 2024 will open soon.
EcoAction Arlington, in collaboration with the civic associations, community leaders, partners, and stakeholders, like the NAACP, develops engagement opportunities and events and provides free, native trees and shrubs to the neighborhoods that are part of TCEP.
The Tree Canopy Equity Program will increase the number of trees planted from current levels by approximately 500 trees a year in these thirteen civic associations for five years.
Success rests on our ability to:
- Build relationships with residents, clergy, civic association leadership, and apartment managers to build trust and interest in the program.
- Promote the program and organize community events about the Tree Canopy Fund and the health, economic, and environmental benefits of tree plantings to residents.
- Build partnerships at the neighborhood and county levels.
- Train and organize volunteers to raise awareness about the value of tree plantings and effectively canvass for tree canopy fund applications in these prioritized civic associations.
Our Partners: We are proud that the Arlington County Forestry and Natural Resources Commission has expressed support for this timely and impactful effort. Additional partners include the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department and the Arlington Chapter of the NAACP.