Arlington Forestry

03/12/2026

https://northernvirginiamag.com/home/2026/03/10/why-are-northern-virginias-oak-trees-dying/

Many have seen large oak trees dying and are wondering if it’s worth planting new young ones. Here's what foresters say.

01/06/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnhBQqEab6Y

There’s much misunderstanding when it comes to tree roots. They are often blamed for breaking pipes, cracking foundations, and lifting sidewalks. Archie the ...

11/19/2023

New USDA hardiness zone map released today ‼️ Besides checking to see if your zone has officially changed, there is a lot to explore here! This map includes two new zones and a finer level of detail.

The NEW hardiness zone map is based on 30-year averages (1991 to 2020) for the lowest annual winter temperatures within specified locations. The 2012 edition was based on averages from 1976 to 2005.

Low temperature during the winter is a crucial factor in the survival of plants at specific locations.

New zones: 12 and 13 have been introduced for regions with average annual extreme minimum temperatures above 50 degrees and 60 degrees F, respectively. They appear only on the maps for Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The new map(s) were jointly developed by Oregon State University's PRISM Climate Group and the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, and it is the most accurate and detailed USDA has ever released.

https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

09/05/2023

Sign up for a free tree now!

Plant native trees! Learn more about how to register for your free native tree.

06/09/2023

Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria are accepting applications for the Fall 2023 Class!

Applications being accepted now through July 24 for Fall 2023 Training Class. Forty spaces are available.

This will be a hybrid training of weekly live Zoom presentations on Tuesday evenings and assigned readings. Additionally, there will be five required in-person weekend sessions with experienced Tree Stewards and tree care professionals.

The list of topics will include: tree physiology, tree identification, soils, urban tree problems, invasive trees and plants, forest ecology, right tree right place, tree selection and sourcing, tree
planting, and tree pruning.

A preliminary schedule of classes will be announced in early August. Classes will begin with an in-person meeting at Lubber Run Amphitheater on Saturday, September 9. Classes will finish in
early-to-mid November, with an in-person graduation gathering in early December.

Please fill out the form below. Application period will close by July 24, 2023.

06/04/2023

Share Your Feedback on the Latest Draft of the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan (FNRP) This engagement includes an opportunity to review the latest draft for the FNRP before County Board consideration this fall. This plan covers impacts and opportunities related to Arlington s tree canopy natural...

05/30/2023

https://caseytrees.org/2023/05/watering-alerts-are-back

Weekly updates to keep your trees healthy and hydrated.

01/13/2023

Taking a break from our Forestry and Natural Resources Plan work to ask folks to keep an eye out for this disease, now found in Fairfax:

Newly detected beech leaf disease threatens one of the county’s most common trees Matt Blitz Today at 11:45am Beech leaf disease (BLD) has been detected in Fairfax County (courtesy DPWES) A new tree disease has been detected in Fairfax County, threatening one of the region’s most common trees. C...

12/19/2022

Hi folks. We have been less active on social media, as we are working hard on the update to the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan. We are currently in drafting mode to address all the amazing comments from residents and interested parties. Keep your eye out for that in the new year. In the meantime, have a wonderful Holiday season! May your trees look better than Charlie Brown's!

10/16/2022

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

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