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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Reproductive Health Freedom
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Reproductive Health Freedom
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Urban Forestry Management

City of Alexandria's Urban Forestry program involves planting, maintaining, caring for, and protecting tree populations in urban environments.
Page updated on September 20, 2023 at 5:23 PM

Parks

  • Overview
    • General Information
    • ParkLink
  • Planning & Projects
    • Capital Projects
    • Open Space
    • Park Planning
  • Park Operations
    • Park Operations
    • Natural Resources
    • Trees & Urban Forestry
  • Community Gardens
  • Dog Parks
  • Park Rentals & Permits

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Urban Forestry Banner

 

The Urban Forestry Section of the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities is responsible for the management of the urban forest on public lands within the City of Alexandria, as well as working with other landowners to plant trees and increase tree canopy cover on private property. There are approximately 20,000 street trees in Alexandria, as well as many thousands more in parks and on the grounds of public facilities (libraries, museums, administrative buildings, and schools). Urban Forest management activities include tree pruning, removal of diseased or dead trees, and planting new or replacement trees. 

Urban Forestry - Plan Summary Urban Forestry - Full Master Plan

Tree Planting & Care

RPCA Parks Tree Planting Webbox

Tree Planting

RPCA Tree Emergencies Webbox

Tree Services

RPCA Urban Forestry Tree Canopy Webbox

Tree Canopy

RPC Parks Tree Donations Webbox

Tree Donations

RPCA Urban Forestry Notable Trees Webbox

Notable Trees

Tree Canopy

What is a Tree Canopy?

Think of the tree canopy as a giant leafy umbrella created by leaves, branches, and tree parts. It stretches out over the land when we look at it from above. We can calculate how much land gets shaded by trees by measuring it as a percentage.

According to the American Forests organization, urban forests constitute a substantial amount of America’s tree canopy. Over 140 million acres of America’s forests are located in cities and towns. These trees provide essential benefits for humans and improved habitats for urban wildlife.

Canopy Change Assessment

In a proactive effort to align with current best practices and set a robust foundation for measuring tree canopy changes, Alexandria Urban Forestry joined forces with the Spatial Analysis Laboratory at the University of Vermont. Together, they conducted a comprehensive canopy assessment, utilizing established procedures developed in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service. This approach has been widely adopted on national and regional scales with cities like Seattle, New York City, and Chicago.

This canopy change assessment, spanning years 2014 to 2018, harnessed the power of canopy cover metrics, which is the percentage of land area in a city shaded by tree leaves or branches. Canopy cover strongly influences critical tree ecosystem services such as mitigating heat islands and intercepting stormwater. City managers employ these metrics to gain insights into the extent and distribution of their tree canopy, advance strategic objectives, and ensure equitable service provision.

Canopy Cover Assessment

Canopy cover assessments measure urban tree canopy using various methods, each with corresponding degrees of accuracy. These approaches often involve aerial imagery coupled with LiDAR methods. It is up to each manager to determine what level of accuracy is required before a canopy assessment is considered defensible and actionable.  

The field of canopy assessment has matured since Alexandria conducted its first assessment in 2001. New, standardized industry best practices have emerged from partnerships between the USDA Forest Service, academia, and municipalities. When applied consistently, these new practices allow for comparison of assessments over time and benchmarking with regional and national peer cities.

LiDAR and aerial imaging captured by regional partners generate a high-quality dataset at a reduced cost. It provides a new benchmark and establishes industry standard procedures to replicate future assessments.

Assessment Results

According to this assessment, Alexandria’s tree canopy increased to 32.5% in 2018. The report noted a 22.4% increase from 2014 data, with the caveat that some canopy gain was likely spread out beyond the four-year period.

Tree Canopy Analysis (Alexandria 2014-2018)

For more information, visit page 11 of the document above.

Notable Trees of Alexandria

What is the Notable Tree Program?

Trees are most often recognized for their environmental benefit to the community. They help maintain clean air and water, reduce soil erosion, and can even lower the cost of energy for residential heating and cooling. The mere presence of trees can also make us feel better about living in the city, bring beauty to an otherwise stark setting, and enhance the value of your property. The Notable Tree Program is designed to recognize, preserve and honor the most noteworthy specimens of trees and shrubs growing in Alexandria. Specimens of exceptional size or age, historical connection or ecological importance will be documented and be eligible to be placed on the Registry of Notable Trees.

Nominate a Notable Tree

Participate! If you or your neighbor has an outstanding tree or shrub that you think would qualify for inclusion on the register, nominate it. Or if you know of an outstanding specimen on public property, you may nominate it as well. Nominations that are accepted will receive an honorary certificate and be listed on the public register. Having your private tree listed does not take away any of your personal property rights, but we do hope it would inspire you to take good care of it.

What are the criteria for a Notable Tree? To be considered noteworthy for listing, a specimen must be of exceptional size for its species, be an old-age specimen with a known historical connection (person, place, or event), or have ecological importance as a locally rare native species. Generally, only native species are accepted for nomination (see nomination form for exceptions). Some Notable Trees may also qualify as a City, State or even National Champion. If nomination is based on size, the tree or shrub will be officially measured by City staff or qualified volunteer using the standards designed by American Forests. All of Alexandria's current state champion trees are listed on the register of the Virginia Big Tree Program.

Alexandria's Registry of Notable Trees

The Registry of Notable Trees is a public document that can be shared and enjoyed by all. In honoring these special trees, we honor not only the past, but also the present and the future. Our hope is that by sharing this information, all residents of the City will better understand the community's stewardship role in preserving both our environment and natural history.

Where can I find noteworthy trees in the City? The City of Alexandria was once a natural wonder - from rich river floodplains and swamps to virgin bottomland hardwood forest and tidal marsh. In the past 150 years, urban development and population growth have taken their toll in the form of buildings, parking lots, and roadways. Fast forward to the present day - remaining natural forests are confined to small woodlot-sized parcels or long and narrow stream valleys. Most of our large and historically important trees are now gone. But if you know where to look, in wooded nooks and crannies, or sometimes hidden in plain view in a front or back yard, they are still out there waiting to be discovered and honored.

The best places to search for big trees are along river and stream banks, in cemeteries, church yards, historic properties, and Civil War sites.

In conjunction with the Notable Trees Registry, notable and champion trees can be found using the Map of Alexandria's Champion Trees, which provides tree locations using GPS coordinates, measurements, estimated ages, and historical/cultural significance of our City's trees.

Please note: some of these trees are on private property.

Tree Donations

The Living Landscape Fund offers an opportunity to beautify Alexandria while honoring a special occasion or loved one. Donations are used for landscape improvements or park amenities throughout the City. The fund assists the City in realizing its goal of beautification and enhancing our open spaces. Your tax-deductible donation can go towards the following categories: 

General Donation
Submit a monetary donation to support landscape improvements and replacement of park amenities. Donate a gift as an individual or organization and support your City! 

Tree Canopy Donation
You can financially support tree planting in our parks and neighborhoods. Your donation will expand and support a healthy urban tree canopy and help Alexandria reach a target goal of 40% tree canopy by 2035.

  • Can I plant a tree in memory of someone?
    You can make a donation on someone’s behalf to support tree planting on public land throughout Alexandria. Donation acknowledgements can be sent to the honoree or family upon request.
  • Can I specify where a tree can be planted?
    Your donation supports general tree planting throughout the City and are not tied to a specific site.

For questions, contact our PARKnership Manager Lucresha Murphy-Tate at Lucresha.Murphy@alexandriava.gov. To learn more about other partnerships or donation opportunities within the city, visit PARKnerships with RPCA.

Donate Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for the maintenance of trees in the City of Alexandria?

The City is responsible for the maintenance of any tree located on City of Alexandria-owned property, including the rights-of-way of roads. Landowners, including other government entities and developers, are responsible for trees planted and located on or in the right-of-way of their private properties. 

Additionally, there are some neighborhoods where a homeowners association may be responsible for trees in the right-of-way due to agreements made during the site approval process. In circumstances where a tree may be right on the property line, or there may be uncertainty about the boundary between ownerships, additional investigation or survey work may be necessary.

There are trees near my property that need to be trimmed or removed. I believe the trees are on City property. Who is responsible for their maintenance or removal?

Trees growing along the street between the curb and the sidewalk are usually in the public right-of-way and the City's to maintain. You can report a tree you believe requires attention by submitting a 311 service request. Urban Forestry staff will be assigned to inspect the trees and determine if any actions should be required. A copy of the Service Request will be left at the designated address.

How does the City determine whether or not a tree on public property will be pruned or removed?

City Arborists utilize tree care industry standards and their professional judgment on a case-by-case basis regarding what type of maintenance may be appropriate for a tree or if the tree’s removal is warranted. Several factors are considered, including the specific conditions of the tree, its overall health, its location, and the potential risk of damage if it fails. Generally speaking, apparent hazards to the health and safety of our residents receive top priority. City Arborists are trained professionals who evaluate those risks and determine the condition of each tree. Trees will not be pruned or removed simply because they block a view, overhang property lines, or shed leaves or fruits. The Arborist staff can provide information about any tree maintenance decision.

Can I prune or remove trees on City property at my own expense?

No, residents are not permitted to prune or remove trees on City property (or plant new ones) unless approved by the City, per Sec. 6-2-2 of the City Code. Penalties under the Code for violations include a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment for up to six (6) months or both. Should the Urban Forestry staff decide that a tree does not meet the criteria for removal, the City will prohibit residents from bearing the cost of tree removal.

A tree is damaging a public sidewalk. Who handles this request?

If a tree or its roots damage a sidewalk, curb, or street, submit a service request to the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES).

Report Sidewalk Damage

T&ES staff will investigate the issue and come up with a solution, which may or may not involve the removal of the tree. T&ES will coordinate with Urban Forestry if tree maintenance or removal is necessary.

Who is responsible for pruning & removing trees on private property?

No City ordinances require a property owner to maintain trees or remove dead trees on private property except trees bordering or near public property (City Code section 6-2-21, et seq.). The Urban Forestry section does not provide legal advice or guidance. Please seek professional advice if you have questions about your tree liability.

Trees Overhanging Your Property

In addition, no City ordinances require your neighbor to prune the limbs that overhang your property. You have the right to prune or cut back limbs that overhang your property line at your own expense, provided that the work done does not damage the tree's health or create a hazard. In cases where your neighbor's tree causes damage to your property, they might be liable for the damages or instructed to take corrective action. Each situation is different; we recommend contacting your homeowner’s insurance company or seeking legal advice.

City's Initiative to Trim or Remove Trees Near My Residence

Tree trimming and removal are completed in compliance with the American National Standards Institute Z-133, A300 Standards for Safety and Tree Maintenance Operations, and best management practices adopted by the International Society of Arboriculture and the Tree Care Industry Association.

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming includes crown cleaning, removing deadwood, crossing over or rubbing branches, and correcting weak branch connections. In addition, low limbs that interfere with pedestrian and vehicular traffic, buildings, roofs, or other structures will be removed or cut back. Dead branches, less than an inch in diameter, may not be removed. 

Trimming does not include removing all limbs that overhang private property or topping trees to reduce their height.

Visit treesaregood.org for more information on proper tree maintenance.

Tree Removal

The tree removal process occurs in 2-3 steps. Before the removal process, it may be necessary to post "No Parking" signs on or adjacent to the tree to provide adequate room to perform the work safely. No Parking signs may be posted on both sides of a street 1-2 days before the work is complete.

All branches and brush will be removed and chipped during the first step. Logs, trunks, and oversized branches will remain on site until proper removal. Once the removal process is complete, no firewood will remain.

The stump that is left will be ground down as a separate operation. Before grinding the stump, all underground utilities must be marked by the utility locator service. Once the stump removal is complete, soil and organic material from the grinding process will fill the hole and level the area. No additional topsoil or seeding will occur. Depending upon the particular situation and the desire of the adjacent property owner, a new tree may be planted as a replacement.

Is my HOA responsible for the trees on our private streets?

The care and maintenance of the trees along the streets may be the responsibility of a homeowners association or the developer. If you have questions about this, the City Arborist can assist with confirming ownership and responsibility.

A tree fell in my backyard, resulting in yard waste, such as branches & wood. Will the City dispose of it for me?

The Resource Recovery Division of the Dept. of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) will collect and dispose of yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, branches, and logs. Yard waste is collected separately from household trash. Large items will require a different process for pickup. Some restrictions may apply depending on the type and size of the material.

For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/YardWaste or call 703.746.4311.

Arborist & Tree Maintenance Information

The City’s Urban Forestry Staff are not permitted to provide consulting services or inspections of trees on private property. A qualified private arborist could provide recommendations for the treatment of trees on private property.

The International Society of Arboriculture and the Tree Care Industry Association provides information regarding tree care and selecting an arborist.

Regardless of how you select an arborist to assist you, we strongly recommend that you confirm that the company you are working with is properly insured by requesting a certificate of insurance before signing any contracts or allowing any work to begin.

How can it be determined if a tree is a hazard & likely to fall over?

Despite the diligent care we invest in maintaining the well-being of our trees, it is impossible to ensure that they will never fail during severe weather or even on the calmest days. City Arborists will inspect trees on City property in response to Service Requests submitted online and as part of our ongoing periodic inventory of City trees. A tree risk assessment may even include drilling into the buttress roots and tree trunks to probe for the presence of decay. Our Urban Forestry staff utilizes all pertinent tree risk assessment techniques when evaluating the overall health and potential risks associated with each tree.

Responding to Storm Damage & Other Emergencies

Apart from addressing routine service requests made by residents, the Urban Forestry Team is also one of the City’s primary emergency response groups.

The City’s Solid Waste Division issues guidelines about requirements for removing tree limbs and other debris from storm damage or other conditions. The Urban Forestry Team follows these guidelines alongside the Dept. of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES), other City Departments, and private contractors. Additionally, Urban Forestry staff regularly responds to after-hours emergency calls for fallen trees or limbs blocking roads. 

Additional Sources of Information

Tree Care Industry Association

International Society of Arboriculture         

Trees are Good

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Alexandria, VA 22314

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