Department of Parks and Recreation

Notable Tree Program

 

Make your Notable Tree Nomination Today!

Pignut Hickory TreeTrees that are designated "notable" receive either a certificate or plaque and are placed on the County's register of notable trees. This year's winners include five certificate winners and three plaque winners. Winning trees are located on private property and share a special significance to the owners and the neighborhood.

Since 1987 Arlington has identified and registered its outstanding trees as part of the Notable Tree Program, an initiative of the Arlington Beautification Committee that recognizes residents who maintain and preserve significant trees.

"Trees are an important component of Arlington's 'green infrastructure,'" said Lola Rogers, chair of the Arlington Beautification Committee. "Mature trees not only beautify our neighborhoods, but also provide environmental and economic benefits such as helping to clean our air, reducing storm water run-off, reducing energy costs, and cooling our urban environment."

Although the "Notable Tree" designation does not give Arlington County any authority over trees on private property, the trees may be included in future civic association and neighborhood walking tours. Tree winners may be nominated based on size, age, species, historical interest or because they have a special significance to the neighborhood.

Previous Winners


How To Nominate A Tree

The tree must fall into at least one of the following categories:

  • Size and/or Age: Scored by height, circumference and canopy cover, the condition of the tree is also taken into consideration.
  • Species: Unusual species for this area.
  • Historical Interest: For example, associated with an event, famous person or building.
  • Special Significance to the Neighborhood

Nominate a tree by November 15, 2013 for next year's winners. Fill out the Notable Tree Nomination Form ( PDF icon PDF) and mail to:

Notable Tree Program, Attention Landscape & Forestry Section
Arlington County Division of Parks and Natural Resources
2700 South Taylor Street
Arlington, VA 22206

  • Nominators other than the tree's owner should contact the owner for their consent before submitting the application; owners may request that their names and addresses not appear on the public listing.
  • Beautification Committee volunteers and/or County staff will measure and evaluate the tree, taking into consideration its health and condition before making a recommendation to the Committee, which makes the final decision.
  • Further information on participation in the program may be obtained by calling 703-228-7747.

What Nominating A Tree Means

Notable TreeA nominated tree that is designated "notable," will receive either a certificate or plaque in its category and be placed on the County's register of notable trees. Please keep in mind, that though the list is public information and may be included in civic association/neighborhood walking tours, citizens who may want to view the tree need to ask permission of the owner before accessing the property. The Notable designation is an honor. Owners of notable trees do not qualify for tax breaks or maintenance by the county.

Note: The "Notable Tree" designation does not give Arlington County any authority over trees on private property.


More Information

The Notable Tree Program began in 1987 to identify and register Arlington's outstanding trees. Trees are an important component of Arlington's "green infrastructure" and help make Arlington a livable community. Mature trees not only beautify our neighborhoods, they also provide environmental and economic benefits such as helping to clean our air, reducing storm water run-off, and cooling our urban environment. Not only do trees help to reduce the urban heat island effect associated with pavement and dense development, they also reduce summer cooling costs by shading our homes. The Notable Tree Program is a way to recognize and thank residents who maintain and preserve exceptionally significant trees. The Arlington Beautification Committee hopes that through recognition of these special components of our landscape Arlingtonians will be stimulated to appreciate and care for their own part of our green environment. Since the program began, over 400 trees have been nominated for notable status and over 150 are currently on Arlington's Notable Tree list.

View Notable Tree List sorted by common name (  24KB)

View Notable Tree List sorted by zip code (  32KB)

Download & Share Notable Tree Program Overview Brochure (  515KB)

Last Modified: May 07, 2013
2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3000 TTY: 703-228-4611