City of Alexandria Spring 2024 Tree Planting Program Update

The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) is pleased to announce the spring planting season is wrapping up successfully.

RPCA surpassed our goal by planting over 325 trees throughout the City this spring, contributing to the well-being and beauty of our community. Including the trees planted last fall, we are on track to plant over 1,000 trees within a 12-month period. This remarkable achievement is a community effort, made possible through the dedication of volunteers, City leadership, and generous donations.

A significant portion of our spring planting was made possible through fiscal sponsorship from the Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) Stormwater Management Division. Their support, along with the hard work of our community, is enhancing the beauty and health of our urban landscape.

In recent weeks, you may have noticed the new trees being planted throughout our City. During the next 6-12 months, the community might observe some common signs of transplant shock in these newly planted trees. Transplant shock is a natural response as trees adapt to their new environment, and symptoms can vary based on species and location. Transplant shock symptoms are typically worse within the first year but can extend up to two to four years.

The following are a few symptoms to be aware of:

1. Wilting Leaves: Leaves may appear wilted or droopy, even if the tree is properly watered.
2. Yellowing Leaves: Some leaves might turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely.
3. Slow Growth: Newly planted trees may exhibit slower growth as they establish their root systems.

Rest assured; these symptoms are typically temporary. To support the health and recovery of these new trees, RPCA’s Urban Forestry team takes proactive measures, including:

1. Watering: Ensuring that newly planted trees receive adequate water, especially during dry spells.
2. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
3. Right tree, right location: Our staff selects an appropriate species for the location and hand selects the tree from our wholesale supplier to ensure longevity and plant vigor. 

Despite RPCA’s best efforts, approximately 5% of trees typically do not adapt to the new soils and may die within the first year.  In densely urban areas with more limited soils, this number can be as high as 10%, especially in tree wells in Old Town. Urban Forestry budgets for tree loss with our young trees and our team is closely monitoring the health of all newly planted trees and taking routine steps to ensure their successful establishment.

If you have any questions or concerns about the trees being planted in your area, or if you need guidance on tree care, visit the City’s Urban Forestry Management website at www.alexandriava.gov/Trees or submit a Tree Inspection Request through 311.

Thank you for your continued support in making Alexandria a greener, more beautiful place to live.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Jack Browand at Jack.Browand@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5504, Virginia Relay 711. 

If you prefer communication in another language, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.