Arlington Forestry

10/16/2022

Oak Decline

Why are many of our oaks dying? It's likely due to a syndrome called Oak Decline. There's an upcoming discussion on it. Sign up here:

https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtf-uvrTkpEtdcdcvK7KpR1GyOC06WcRzM

You can also learn about it on our own page: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Sustainability-and-Environment/Trees/Tree-Care-and-Removal/Oak-Decline

In recent years oaks in the white oak group, such as chestnut oak (Quercus montana) and white oak (Quercus alba), have started dying in significant numbers. This page lays out potential causes, what local governments are working on, and tips for tree owners.

10/03/2022

Share Your Thoughts about the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan

Today is the last day to provide input on your Forestry and Natural Resources Plan!

Share your Input on Draft Forestry and Natural Resources Plan!
Arlington County would like your input on the draft Forestry and Natural Resources Plan. To assure future generations of Arlingtonians enjoy the benefits of nature, the County must identify what needs are urgent, what are aspirational, and how each can be addressed through both long-term initiatives, incremental change and immediate action.
Share your feedback here:

Numerous opportunities are planned to gather input from the community over the coming months. You can read the first draft of the plan now and share your thoughts now.

09/20/2022

Help us protect our urban forest and the benefits it provides to people and wildlife. Join us for a virtual open house on Thurs., Sept. 29, 7 p.m. to learn more about the draft Forestry and Natural Resources Plan.

You can share your thoughts now through Oct. 3 online. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NjL3o0

07/10/2022

Report a Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia

Report a Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

04/26/2022

This might look bad, but our native Eastern tent caterpillar and cherry species (usually black cherry, Prunus serotina) have co-evolved. The caterpillar will eat many of the leaves, but the tree is used to this attack, and grows a second set of leaves (if the tree is otherwise healthy). This impact is temporary, and rarely a negative impact to the tree. If you want to learn more about how different insects and pests impact trees, sign up for the University of Maryland Integrated Pest Management Alerts: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/agriculture-food-systems/program-areas/ornamental-horticulture/ipmnet/ipm-alerts-landscape-nursery

04/23/2022

We received some hybrid American Chestnuts, which are touted to be resistant to Chestnut blight Disease. We repotted them in our native plant nursery, and will be planting them at a future planting!

04/21/2022

I call this one, the Laughing Paw Paw:

04/16/2022

Mulch Tips & Tricks

If you're thinking of mulching your trees this season, follow the 3-3-3 rule. Create a ring of mulch around your tree, 3 inches deep in a 3-foot radius from the trunk, making sure to leave a 3-inch space right around the tree trunk. Learn more here:

So mulch to learn!

04/15/2022

Serviceberries - Juneberries

Serviceberries are in bloom! Learn about the interesting history of this group of trees and shrubs and their names here:

Ripe Juneberries ready for picking! Shrubs in the genus Amelanchier go by a variety of names, each with their own stories and l...

04/12/2022

What do you know about the history of Arbor Day? Try your knowledge with Casey Trees' Quiz:

https://caseytrees.org/2022/04/celebrate-150-years-of-arbor-day-with-a-quiz/

04/10/2022

2022 Arbor Day Celebration

Did you know it's the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day? We are celebrating our own Arbor Day event at Taylor Elementary, on April 22, at 10 AM. Come join us!

https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Parks-Events/2022-Arbor-Day-Celebration

Celebrate Arbor Day on April 22 with a proclamation ceremony and tree planting at Taylor Elementary.

04/08/2022

Forestry and Natural Resources Commission (FNRC)

Come join the Forestry and Natural Resources Commission, who meet monthly to discuss tree and other natural resources issues and policy. Find upcoming dates here:

The Forestry and Natural Resources Commission provides the County Board with advice and recommendations to improve the health and sustainability of Arlington’s urban forest.

04/05/2022

Did you know you can request a tree planting on public property? Our tree planting coordinator will investigate the site, and if the site is suitable, plan it for a future tree planting. You can do this with our Report a Problem tool:

https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Topics/Report-Problem

04/01/2022

Knowing about trees is obviously the most important, but we have some amazing shrubs in our region, too. check out this spicebush shrub in bloom!

03/31/2022

Arlington's hottest areas lack tree canopy to soak up the sun, study finds

We all know the shade of trees help cool us down, but where is it most needed? This study tries to answer that question:

The most scorching parts of Arlington are along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor and Reagan National Airport, according to a new study. On a hot day last July, volunteers and Marymount University research students and staff recorded temperatures at morning, afternoon and evening throughout the count

03/30/2022

Checking on tree protection is one of our roles. This tree in Crystal City has the proper 6 ft chain link fence protection common to large central business district projects.

03/28/2022

The Dogwoods are coming! Can anyone identify the tree in the background?

03/26/2022

Lion's mane is a tree decay organism that creates a very white, spongy wood. This wood is very flexible, but lacks the lignin to support the structure of the tree. This tree is trying to compartmentalize this fungus over time, to keep it from destabilizing this branch.

03/21/2022

I don't know who planted this, but it's mad

03/17/2022

We are celebrating Arbor Day on April 22 this year. During the pandemic, our Tree City USA designation turned 25, and we received another Growth Award, which shows the continued improvement and expansion of our programs. We are very excited to continue to improve the practices and value of our urban forest going forward!

Arbor Day Foundation

03/14/2022

Blossom bike maps help you catch full bloom without leaving Arlington

https://www.arlnow.com/2022/03/11/blossom-bike-maps-help-you-catch-full-bloom-without-leaving-arlington/

Blossoms are beginning to bloom in Arlington and the temperature is expected to climb above 60 this afternoon. Sounds like a good time for a bike ride. Luckily, local bike boosters have made some handy maps for seeing the blossoms on two wheels. The cherry blossom bike maps from BikeArlington

02/15/2022

TreeSteward Training - YouTube

You can find the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria presentations recorded on Tree Stewards now! Find them here:

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

02/03/2022

A reminder that grape vines are native, and part of our ecosystem. They grow up with the trees, and are not harmful.

Fairfax County Park Authority staff has become aware of native grape vines randomly being cut in the woods. Tempting though it may be to remove them or any other plants from parks and woodland areas, it is illegal and may be harmful to the environment. Find out more about native and invasive plants here: https://bit.ly/3rZ8yKt

01/31/2022

Know an outstanding volunteer dedicated to improving or maintaining parklands, natural resources and habitats and outdoor public spaces here in Arlington? Nominate them for the 2021 Bill Thomas Park Volunteer Award!

Learn more and submit nominations here: https://bit.ly/3nI1elO

09/21/2021

Crape myrtles are starting to see infections of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. While this is not usually fatal for the trees, it can be a nuisance. This pest is likely present in most of Arlington. You can learn about how to manage this pest here:

https://stopcmbs.com/crapemyrtle-bark-scale/management/

09/17/2021

Arlington’s Tree Canopy Fund Survey

For those wondering how well the trees from our Tree Canopy Fund survive, the Tree Stewards did an amazing survey of trees from that program a couple of years ago, showing over 80% still standing, and almost all of them in good condition. Learn more here:

https://treestewards.org/2018/01/09/arlingtons-tree-canopy-fund-survey/

In 2008, the Arlington County Board created the Tree Canopy Fund (TCF) to ensure funds contributed by developers who cannot meet tree planting requirements on their sites will be used to plant tree…

09/09/2021

Tree Canopy Fund Maintenance Project | EcoAction Arlington

Request for Proposals!

EcoAction Arlington is looking to start giving grants for maintenance of private trees, to potentially increase their lifespan, particularly for folks that may not have the means to continue maintaining these trees. As part of this, a contracting arborist will give recommendations for treatment of a tree, which will be acted upon by a private tree care company.

In connection to the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund, EcoAction Arlington is announcing a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process to secure the services of an ISA-certified arborist. With authorization from the Arlington County Board, the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund program will be expanding to provide services to property owners who need assistance in caring for their mature trees. We will be conducting a pilot service during the fiscal year 2022 for a minimum of 10 property owners and a maximum of 20 property owners.

Please see the RFP in the link below which contains background information and the requirements for submitting a proposal. The deadline for submission of proposals is 5:00 pm on Monday, September 27, 2021. Please email proposals to [email protected].

Note that EcoAction Arlington is issuing two RFPs, one for an arborist and one for a tree service company. The arborist and tree service company are to be independent of each other with no financial connection, and a tree service business may only apply to one RFP. More information on this project is available on our website.

https://www.ecoactionarlington.org/community-programs/trees/maintenance-project/

In connection to the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund, EcoAction Arlington is announcing a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process to secure the services of an ISA-certified arborist and a tree care company. With authorization from the Arlington County Board, the Arlington County Tree Canop...

09/08/2021

County Launches Annual Free Tree Giveaway

https://www.arlnow.com/2021/09/07/county-launches-annual-free-tree-giveaway/

Arlington residents can now register to receive a free tree for their yards as part of an effort by the Department of Parks and Recreation to increase the county's tree canopy. Registration opened today (Tuesday) for young, slender trees known as "whips." The whips are in two-gallon containers ra

08/24/2021

Soil volume is critical for tree health and growth. It is very easily illustrated by this picture, with the left tree significantly healthier, and larger than its neighbor, which is living in a more restricted space.

08/19/2021

Heatwaves and unpredictable weather, along with more people staying home and visiting our parks shed more light on the need for shade and cooling in our communities. Check out this list of articles on trees, shade, and the distribution of heat: https://www.deeproot.com/blog/blog-entries/the-summer-of-tree-reckoning-in-the-media

08/17/2021

We are working with the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan to understand how we can mitigate urban heat island, especially in areas with low tree canopy. This has always been our goal, and we are now focusing on not only low tree canopy areas, but also areas with equity disparities. You can find those neighborhoods on American Forest's new Tree Equity map: https://treeequityscore.org/

08/11/2021

We are working hard on the first draft of the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan which will be released this Fall. Winter Outreach is critical to our draft. This is a graph showing the breakdown of focus areas people were interested in from our first engagement.

08/05/2021

Urban forests are critical to our health! Protecting our tree canopy and planting new trees help keep us, our family, and our friends healthy.

08/04/2021

Ever wonder how our tree canopy is distributed in the County? We have a lot of data on changes in tree canopy over time. Check out this map, and learn more at https://environment.arlingtonva.us/trees/tree-canopy/

08/03/2021

With all the development going on in National Landing, we still make sure to focus on protecting the trees that remain. You may see tree protection like this near new developments. Never hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] if you see issues with the fencing.

07/27/2021

See something that looks like it may be damaging our trees? Report it on the Early Detection maps at https://www.eddmaps.org/! This crape myrtle bark scale was reported in Arlington County, and forestry staff is now looking at potential impact if it spreads. Photo by Patrick Frain

07/22/2021

We just received our 25 year Tree City USA stickers! So excited we had to take a picture of the stickers before putting them up. We also received our 16-year Growth award stickers, so our progress can get its learner's permit now!

07/17/2021

This is a project near Courthouse that not only protected many trees on top of a low parking garage but also planted new ones, as well. Rooftop gardens of this quality are rare, but a sight to behold!

07/14/2021

Come join us at the Urban Tree Summit this Fall! Virtual events and in-person field events will be available, including two sessions in Arlington County! Learn more and sign up here: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/events/urban-tree-summit-conference/