THE LEAFLET

The Washington, DC region is known for its lush urban forests, with each jurisdiction playing a crucial role in maintaining our green network. Our neighbors in Arlington County boast an urban forest that represents a dynamic, evolving landscape reflective of the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ecological beauty. The county works diligently to plant and care for trees, but as many urban forestry professionals know, it starts with measuring, monitoring, and tracking the canopy to benchmark and understand the true impact of our efforts. Measuring the tree canopy isn’t just about counting leaves – it’s a vital tool for urban planners, arborists, and policymakers to understand how our cities breathe and grow.

Arlington County’s latest tree canopy study brings promising news for the community and its commitment to a greener future. With data collected using cutting-edge Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, the 2023 analysis reveals steady growth in tree coverage across the county. The findings highlight both progress and the ongoing need to nurture and expand Arlington’s tree canopy.

The study, conducted by the nationally recognized Davey Resource Group (DRG), shows that Arlington’s tree canopy in 2023 stands at 35.2%, reflecting a modest yet consistent increase over the past decade. These gains stem from the maturation of existing trees and contributions from new plantings, despite challenges such as storm damage, development, and tree removal. Parks saw particularly encouraging growth, with canopy coverage rising from 59% to 65%, illustrating the benefits of sustained planting and conservation efforts.

Thanks to LiDAR technology, this year’s report is the most accurate and detailed to date. Unlike traditional aerial imagery, LiDAR measures elevation and eliminates shadow effects that can overestimate tree coverage. With an impressive 99.2% accuracy rate, this methodology provides a clearer picture of Arlington’s canopy and its trends.

Arlington County’s Urban Forest Manager, Vincent Verweij, is a seasoned arborist and public servant who is also a dedicated Casey Trees Team Leader! On weekends in the spring and fall, Vincent can often be found leading teams of volunteers to plant trees all over the DMV. Having volunteered with Casey Trees for close to 15 years, he can be credited with planting hundreds, if not thousands, of trees in our region, in addition to his work with Arlington County.

Vincent Verweij, Arlington County’s Urban Forest Manager, explains the methods and results of the 2023 Arlington Country Tree Canopy Study.

To ensure consistent comparisons, DRG reanalyzed earlier data from 2014 and 2018 using the same advanced methods. This approach ensures that Arlington’s progress is based on reliable and comparable metrics, setting the stage for more informed planning and decision-making.

Trees do more than enhance Arlington’s scenic beauty. They play a vital role in improving air and water quality, reducing urban heat, boosting property values, and promoting public health. With benefits that touch every resident, a robust tree canopy is essential to Arlington’s environmental and economic well-being.

The County’s Forestry and Natural Resources Plan, adopted in 2023, lays out a roadmap for maintaining and expanding tree canopy, with a long-term goal of reaching 40% coverage. Efforts are focused on planting trees in neighborhoods with low canopy levels and protecting existing trees through conservation programs. Residents can contribute by:

• Planting Native Trees: The bi-annual Tree Canopy Fund and annual Tree Giveaway programs provide free native trees for planting on private properties.
• Requesting Street or Park Trees: Arlington’s Service Request Portal allows community members to request tree plantings in public right-of-way spaces and other public spaces, such as parks. 
• Volunteering and Advocacy: There are numerous opportunities to participate in planting events and advocate for tree conservation. Tree Stewards and Master Naturalists work around the County to improve trees and the natural world.

Arlington’s modest gains in tree canopy are a testament to collective efforts—from individual homeowners to County-led initiatives. While more work is needed, this study underscores the importance of staying the course and embracing opportunities to protect and grow our urban forest. Together, we can ensure that Arlington remains a vibrant, green, and thriving community for generations to come.