[Archived] Help Grow the City’s Tree Canopy

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2021

The City of Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan 2040 set a goal of achieving a 40% tree canopy cover by 2035. Tree canopy is essential green infrastructure that mitigates the heat and flooding associated with climate change while improving public health and increasing property values.

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 November 15. 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/Recreation and will be available for pick up on November 20 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center (5750 Sanger Ave.) The following species are available:

• Spicebush $27

• New Jersey Tea $27

• Black Haw $27

• White Oak $40
• Black Gum $40
• Chestnut Oak $40
• White Flowering Dogwood $40
• Scarlet Oak $47
• Southern Red Oak $55

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 the Urban Forestry Office deems the location suitable for planting, residents can work with staff to select a species from an approved list and the tree will be planted at zero 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 mj.jarrar@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4644, Virginia Relay 711.