Arlington homeowners have until next week to apply to get a free native tree or shrub this fall.
Applications for EcoAction Arlington’s biannual Tree Planting Program and Tree Canopy Equity Program close next Monday, June 23. The nonprofit plans to plant 200 trees and 50 shrubs across the county.
Single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums and places of worship across Arlington are eligible for the Tree Planting Program, while the Tree Canopy Equity Program focuses on “historically under-resourced neighborhoods with low tree canopy coverage.”
Residents of these 13 neighborhoods are eligible for the Tree Canopy Equity Program.
- Arlington View
- Arlington Mill
- Aurora Highlands
- Barcroft
- Buckingham
- Columbia Heights
- Glebewood
- Glencarlyn
- Green Valley
- Hall’s Hill
- Long Branch Creek
- Penrose
- Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
Applicants can choose between native species including American sycamores, sugarberry trees and two kinds of oak trees. Equity program applicants may also choose from a selection of shrubs, like oakleaf hydrangeas and buttonbushes.
As of yesterday (Monday), EcoAction had received 74 applications for the fall tree planting cycle, Executive Director Elenor Hodges told ARLnow.
Some tree recipients may also be eligible for a 5% stormwater utility credit, which applies to large, native canopy trees that are at least one inch thick.
EcoAction’s Tree Program has planted over 3,800 trees since its founding in 2007. This past spring, it planted 183 trees and 46 shrubs.
Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria volunteers are available to help with species and site selection. EcoAction staff can also answer questions or provide Spanish translation services for the application.
