[Archived] Help Grow Alexandria’s Tree Canopy

For Immediate Release: September 27, 2019

The City of Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan 2040 set a goal of achieving a 40% tree canopy cover by 2035. Increasing the tree canopy through biological diversity helps counteract the effects of climate change. Alexandrians can help grow the City’s tree canopy by purchasing a tree to plant in your yard through the Fall Native Plant Sale or having a tree planted on City property at no cost as part of the City’s Tree Planting Program.

The Fall Native Plant Sale is open through October 30. Beautify your yard, help the environment, and create habitat by planting high quality and ecologically valuable native tree species in your yard. Plants are available for purchase at alexandriava.gov/Recreationor in person at Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center (5750 Sanger Ave.) and will be available for pick up on November 2 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Nature Center. The following species are available:

• Flowering Dogwood: $40
• Black Oak: $35
• Pitch Pine: $40
• Tulip Poplar: $20
• Chestnut Oak: $35
• White Oak: $40
• Black Gum: $40

The City’s Tree Planting Program provides Alexandria residents the opportunity to request to have a tree planted on City property along the street adjacent to their residence or business. If a City Arborist deems the location as suitable for tree health, residents may select a tree species from a list of more than 35 choices and the tree will be planted at no cost to the resident.

For information about the Fall Native Plant Sale, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation or call the Nature Center at 703.746.5559. 

For information about the City’s Tree Planting Program, visit alexandriava.gov/Trees or call the Urban Forestry section at 703.746.5496. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact kelly.gilfillen@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4644, Virginia Relay 711.