Arlington’s new tree study shows only 35% coverage

The new tree canopy study, the Urban Tree Canopy Assessment: ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA was released on November 13th. It was performed by the Davey Resource group that produced the 2016 study claiming 40% coverage. Using 2023 data and new methods, it found that Arlington tree canopy had only 35% coverage, a distinct change from the 40% figure the County has used in planning and outreach. An article in ArlNow discussed the study. A critique of the study can be found here.  The virtual “in-depth overview of Arlington's tree canopy” is on Thursday, December 12 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. You can register to participate and as a question before the meeting here.

How many trees does it take to cool a city?

New tool to set urban tree canopy goals. Allows urban planners and decision makers to set more specific and science-based city-wide goals for heat reduction. For Baltimore city-wide, a 1% tree canopy increase would reduce surface temperature by 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Co-author Steward Picket says "Trees are good at cooling because they pump a lot of water from the ground into the air, and when that water evaporates at the leaf surface, it absorbs a vast amount of heat. That's just the physics of evaporation. The shade provided by trees also helps with cooling." Read the article on the PHYSORG website here. Read the full study published Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Preview General Assembly Environmental Legislation

Arlington and Alexandria Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) host a Preview of Environmental Legislation Expected in Richmond – Dec. 7th – 9 am to 12 pm.

FACS is preparing for Virginia’s legislative session by partnering with Virginia Conservation Network to host a General Assembly Preview Regional Watch Party in Arlington at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church, 4102 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22207.

For in-person attendees, we’ll share breakfast while learning about environmental legislation expected in the upcoming General Assembly session from statewide experts. After the livestream, FACS' Arlington and City of Alexandria Hubs will lead discussions on how local advocates can engage. All speaker presentations can be watched virtually from 9:15-11:00 AM. Then open discussions will allow local conservation advocates to discuss the expected and new options for legislation.

Register for in-person watch party, or live stream of speakers from 9 am -11 am only, at https://app.glueup.com/event/123762/register/  Use Discount Code "VCNARLI24" to waive ticket costs.

Spotted Lantern Fly danger to tree canopy

Recent local news articles have reported the rising danger to our native plants from the rapid growth of the Spotted Lantern Fly population. This pest is particularly attracted to the Tree of Heaven, a prolific and invasive plant that can crowd out native and other valuable non-native trees. You can help mange and control the damage caused. Eliminating the Tree of Heaven on your property or other locations can limit an important food source to the pest avoiding loss of desirable plants especially in natural areas. To learn more, go to the ARLnow article the includes an interview with Kirsten Conrad, our especially knowledgeable Arlington County’s VA extension service agent. For a more detailed article on the Tree of Heaven, go to the Tree of Heaven page on the Nature Conservancy website.

Tree canopy benefits academic performance in elementary schools

The benefits of trees and green space for school performance and community physical and mental health have been well-documented over the years. A study from 2018 went farther to conclude that tree cover percentage in particular is a powerful positive predictor of student performance. This effect was “most pronounced in schools that showed the highest level of external challenges, suggesting the importance of urban forestry investments in these schools“. The study also found that “positive correlations between children’s academic performance and tree cover are consistent with the Attention Restoration Theory that proposes contact with nature restores and redirects one’s attention to the current task at hand”. In other words, helping all students especially those with attention challenges. Another important fact for our planning for trees in our schools and parks.

How to Properly Water Your Trees

For Trees on Private Land - Arbor Day says: “watering your trees properly is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and stress-free. ….consistent watering is key to happy trees. But did you know — the most common watering mistake is actually too much water? Whether it’s too much or too little, watering can be tricky if you don’t know how to do it.” Their guide can help your trees flourish. check out their guide. Share it with your friends i it’s FREE! More information on Tree Planting and Care is also available at their webpage https://www.arborday.org/trees/index-planting.cfm .

You can also get weekly “Watering Alerts” from Casey Trees at https://caseytrees.org/get-updates/ .

For Trees on Public Lands - For trees along streets, in parks, at schools, and in other public spaces, contact Arlington County Urban Forestry at https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Office-of-Sustainability-and-Environment/Trees or call 703-228-4747. You can also send an email to dpr@arlingtonva.us or Report a Problem at https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Topics/Report-Problem. On this page , first click on Request Service and identify the “Location” of concern on the map., then click “Next”. Under “Details”, scroll down in “Type of Issue” to “Tree Inspection/Maintenance”. Click the triangle to the left for another drop-down menu. Select “Tree Inspection/Maintenance” again by clicking on it. You can the add your specific request or additional information, or add photos or files. Finally, click “Next” taking to you the page where you can provide your contact information if you wish, but this is optional.

Catalpas - Native tree of the summer

According to Casey Trees, the catalpas tree stands out for its captivating late-blooming flowers—the Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa). Known for its resilience and striking features, this native species has captured the admiration of arborists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Capital improvement Plan Board Public Meeting 7/10 & Work Sessions

To enhance and preserve our tree canopy to meet the County’s 40% goal, the CIP will need more investments in projects to improve our natural areas as already requested by a majority of citizens. Many departments’ capital programs can be adjusted to reflect this as part of the urgent need to address climate change.

Important dates for work sessions and the one public meeting. Public comment is not taken at working meetings but you can send your opinions and comments to the Board before or after the meetings:

• 6/6 - 2 pm - Planned investments in Transportation, Metro, and the Debt - FY25-34

• 6/11 - 3 pm - Planned investments in Facilities, Parks, Community Conservation - FY25-34 (Forestry is in Parks)

• 6/25 - 1:30 pm - Department of Technology Services Public Safety, Stormwater, & Utilities- FY25-34

• 7/10 - 7 pm - CIP Public Hearing - time for citizens to comment in person or virtually on all CIP matters.

• 7/16 - 3:30 pm - Wrap-up Board Work session.

The County announcement states:

“Before adopting the FY 2022-FY 2024 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the County Board meets with relevant departments and Arlington Public Schools to discuss the projects included in the CIP. This page will include the presentations made at each work session and the public hearing. The budget work sessions will be held virtually.

• All work sessions are open to the public and are broadcast/webcast live on Arlington Video.

• Video of all meetings are archived and available on-demand.

Trees & Arlington’s Natural Surface Trails Study

The results of this study are part of planning for future trail development. Additional community engagement opportunities will occur late this summer and in the fall. For more information, review the County’s webpage. News story from ArlNow and comments from the Bluemont Civic Association.

Part-Time Job - Volunteer Coordinator Invasives Management

The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to assist with invasive plant management, habitat restoration and education & outreach. For more information see this announcement.

Vienna acts to conserve and enhance tree canopy

Having completed their tree assessments and inventory last year, the City of Vienna has adopted a new tree conservation ordinance and created an advocacy committee in a bid to preserve and expand the town’s declining canopy. FFXNow reports that a new Tree Advocacy Committee replaces an existing tree board under the Conservation and Sustainability Commission (CSC) to advise and assist the town with issues related to plant conservation and management, including by crafting an urban forest management plan and helping staff compile annual reports. Read more.

Arlington County’s New tree canopy study

The last tree canopy study was conducted in 2016. Anew study was funded in the FY24 budget and is finally underway after the approval of the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan last November. In the interim, citizens funded an updated assessment of the 2023 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment of Arlington County, Virginia, An Analysis of Forest Cover and Benefits, available on this site. This study provided accurate detail on the land uses and neighborhood conditions in Arlington. The new County assessment began in March and will continue until October. To see the timeline go to this webpage. For more information on County Forestry activities, go to this webpage. It is estimated that the study will cost $67,000 and additional costs for data.

It’s Spring! Time to Shop for and Install Native Plants

Arlington Regional Master Naturalists’ 3/14/24 article by Toni Robinson explains why native plants are important and how to choose the right ones. It also provides a list of where to buy natives on their webpage.

Rooftop Solar panels and Trees can coexist

The Tree Stewards of Arlington & Alexandria’s 4/4/24 article discusses the tradeoffs and how to evaluate the important variables as you make your choice. The full article can be found on this TS webpage.

Keep That Dead Wood Around! Snags, Dead Branches, and Stumps Add Habitat and Natural Beauty, Too

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia’s 4/24/24 article shows how “Trees work hard providing food and habitat for wildlife and hosting services for butterflies and moths. They clean the air, produce oxygen, soak up stormwater, filter out pollutants, and store carbon. They also cool the ground and the air around them.” Read the full article on their site here.

Buying and installing native plants this Spring

The Arlington Regional Master Naturalists’ recent article on this subject is helpful for those who are new to native plants and experienced gardeners. Includes an introduction and list of plant sales in the region. See their blog posting at https://armn.org/2024/03/14/its-spring-time-to-shop-for-and-install-native-plants/

Paid, Part-time Tree Equity Community Outreach Ambassadors

EcoAction Arlington is hiring 5 to 7 Tree Equity Community Ambassadors. These ambassadors will work up to 20 hours a month during the months when we are promoting free trees.. Training will be provided and the positions will be paid on an hourly basis. For more information go to https://www.ecoactionarlington.org/about-us/jobs/

More Fun with Trees

The Casey Tree Foundation is starting an annual contest called Phenology February modeled after the college basketball’s March Madness. “With Round 2 now underway, it’s time for participants to cast their votes and influence the fate of their favorite trees once again. The stakes are higher, the matchups are fiercer, and anticipation is building as we inch closer to crowning the ultimate arboreal champion of Phenology February.” Casey says “ you can also download the bracket and get creative – start an office pool, challenge a friend, or play in any number of ways! For details, go to https://caseytrees.org/2024/02/phenology-february-round-2/?utm_source=leaflet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=programming.

Arlington Deer Management Public Town Hall - 2/27, 7pm

Sponsored by the Arlington County Civic Federation, this meeting will cover the status and future options to manage the deer population in Arlington County. The goal is to assist citizens who wish to participate in upcoming public meetings on deer management. Key areas of interest may include the impact on deer, environmental effects, program costs, success rates, and risk. Register for this Zoom meeting here. Find more information on the County’s deer management program, public input and timetable here.

VA General Assembly proposed tree legislation

The Virginia General Assembly committees are considering important legislation impacting trees. These include:

• TREES: Support HB170 which would allow the "conservation during land development process" code to apply state-wide, not just in NOVA

• TREES: Support HB459 which would further strength the current "conservation during land development process" code

• TREES: Support SB461 (companion to HB309) to have Dept of Forestry to create a statewide tree canopy assessment.

• TREES: Support SB121 (companion to HB459 above) which would further strength the current "conservation during land development process" code

  To learn more, go to https://vcnva.org/bill-tracker/. Click on the top of the second column to sort the bills by number or search for bills about trees only.