After an extensive public hearing and debate, the Arlington County Board today adopted a compromise tree preservation ordinance designed to preserve both the overall tree canopy of the County and specific notable trees. The ordinance allows for the designation of trees as Heritage, Memorial, Specimen or Street trees and protects such trees from removal or damage. Trees on both public and private property are eligible for designation, although trees on land used for single-family dwellings require the permission of the landowner before being protected under the ordinance.
"The ordinance adopted today is the latest step in the County’s year-long tree initiative, along with our extensive tree planting effort, aggressive invasive plant control program and widespread public information campaign," said Chris Zimmerman, chairman of the County Board. "I believe this ordinance strikes a good balance between the public interest in preserving the County’s green canopy and notable trees and the rights of private property owners."
The new tree preservation ordinance creates four categories of trees that will be protected from removal or damage:
Heritage, a tree of notable historic or cultural interest
Memorial, a tree that serves as special commemorating memorial
Specimen, a tree that is of outstanding size and quality for its species
Street, a tree that grows in the street right-of-way
Under the provisions of the ordinance, the County Board may designate trees for preservation upon recommendation by the County Urban Forester or an arborist authorized to do so by the County Manager. Community members may suggest a tree for protection by contacting the Urban Forester, authorized arborist or the County Manager.
The ordinance also regulates the treatment of trees and shrubs on public property and prohibits injury to or removal of such plants without the County’s permission.
Despite Arlington’s reputation as a "green" community, studies have shown that the County’s tree canopy has been declining over the past few decades. Currently there are approximately 50,000 trees in Arlington County.
