Trees

Join Us in Protecting and Restoring Vienna’s Tree Canopy! 

Welcome to our town's Tree Projects Hub! Here, residents can discover a diverse array of initiatives aimed at enhancing our community's greenery and fostering a healthier environment for all. From street tree planting projects aimed at increasing shade and beauty along sidewalks to conservation efforts preserving our natural heritage, there's something for everyone. Explore our collection of projects and join us in making our town greener, one tree at a time. Together, let's nurture and protect the green spaces that make our community unique.

Our Commitment 

As a proud member of Tree City USA, we are committed to revitalizing our tree canopy.  We believe in the importance of managing our green spaces to ensure a sustainable and vibrant community for generations to come. 

Why Trees Matter  

Trees are more than beautiful additions to our landscapes; they play a crucial role in improving air quality, reducing radiant heat, providing habitat for wildlife, and creating a more enjoyable living environment. Studies have shown that areas with abundant tree cover experience numerous benefits, from reduced air pollution to lower stress levels among residents. Trees foster a greater commitment to the community and a tangible connection to nature. People visit, congregate, and socialize more in such places, which benefits our shopping districts through increased sales. People visit, congregate, and socialize more in such places, which benefits our shopping districts through increased sales.

Stay Connected  

For project updates, volunteer opportunities, and more, be sure to follow us on Social Media. Periodic updates will also be included in the Vienna Voice, the Town’s official newsletter.

Enhancing Neighborhoods with Tree Canopy
We're excited to announce the Green Streets Project aimed at restoring the tree canopy of our community and promoting a healthier environment for all. The project will help replace the lost tree canopy that was identified in the Town’s 2022 Tree Canopy Assessment using strategic planting locations determined by a 2023 assessment.

About Our Tree Selection for the Green Streets Project
Tree species were carefully selected based on their suitability for climate resiliency in Northern Virginia, the aesthetics of the location and surrounding homes, and their compatibility with placement near streets and sidewalks. Native tree species are prioritized for many of the locations, while other locations require the strategic use of non-native plants. Non-native species selected for this project had to meet strict selection criteria and be deemed non-invasive, salt and drought-tolerant, and still viable sources of food or shelter to native insects that support the local bird populations. All selected trees complement the existing landscape and frontage in the neighborhood and surrounding streets. The selected trees are also suitable for planting around utilities (above and in-ground), parking areas, sidewalks, and street signs.

To view detailed information about each tree species, including their characteristics, growth habits, and recommended planting locations, please click here.

What to Expect
The Green Streets tree planting project will occur within the Town's right of ways (ROW), specifically the grassy area between the sidewalk and the curb.
Town staff are currently pinpointing ROWs that are suitable for tree planting. This effort began in the spring of 2024 and will proceed indefinitely.

Process for notifying residents:
• Letters are mailed to neighborhoods identifying that their street is being considered for a tree planting in the ROW. The letter explains that Miss Utility will be contacted by the Town to mark underground utilities.
• The Town Arborist will place white flags or use white spray paint in the ROW to identify the broad area where the utilities need to be marked by Miss Utility. The white flags do not represent placement of a tree. Miss Utility can take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks to mark the utilities.
• Once the utilities are marked, the Town Arborist will review the ROW to determine placement and type of tree that is most suitable.
• The Town will mail certified letters to residents that have been identified to receive a tree in front of their yard.
• Residents have an option to respond to the Town Arborist if they do not want a tree placed in front of their home.
• If the Town does not hear back from the resident, the Town will proceed with scheduling a contractor to plant a tree.
• The trees will not be removed once planted.

Funding and Support
We are grateful to the Maud Robinson Trust for its generous support in launching this initiative.
Who will Maintain the Trees?
The new trees are owned and maintained by the Town. The Town is responsible for pruning, watering, and overall care for the trees. If you want to provide supplemental water for the tree, that is okay and appreciated by the tree!


For questions pertaining to trees or this project, please email the Town Arborist. To request maintenance of a specific Town tree, please submit a request via the SeeClickFix portal.

The Town of Vienna adopted the Virginia Tree Conservation Code based on the Virginia State Code 15.2-961.1 as of July 29, 2024.  The Tree Conservation Code is now contained in Chapter 17 of the Town Code and replaces the former Tree Replacement Code.  Tree Preservation and tree canopy requirements apply on all land parcels within the Town of Vienna.  Specific Tree Canopy Coverage percentage requirements vary by zone.  Guidance on how builders and homeowners can meet tree canopy requirements is outlined in the Tree Preservation and Planting Guide.  Builders can earn recognition under the Vienna Eco-Efficient Homes Initiative by achieving 30% canopy coverage within 10 years after development.  Builders are also encouraged to preserve neighboring trees during construction as a best practice.

Development References
Tree Preservation and Planting Guide(PDF, 2MB)
Town of Vienna Landscape Tree List (PDF, 2MB)(restricted list included)
Canopy Coverage Workbook(XLSX, 36KB)
Commonwealth of Virginia - The Natural Communities of Virginia Ecological Groups and Community Types(PDF, 2MB)
ANSI Z60 – Nursery Stock Standards(PDF, 5MB)
Tree and Shrub Planting Guidelines - VA Cooperative Extension publication 430-295(PDF, 288KB)
Tree Diameter Measurement Guidelines
(PDF, 361KB)
Development Details
Root Pruning(PDF, 492KB)
Tree Planting(PDF, 154KB)
Tree Planting on Slope(PDF, 154KB)
Tree Protection Fence(PDF, 433KB)
Root protection padding(PDF, 47KB)

To help protect Town trees, applicants are required to submit a Tree Protection Bond if their development will disturb or remove any Town trees.

The bond serves as insurance that trees will be protected throughout the development process and that any Town tree removed or damaged will be replaced at the developer's expense.  See the Town’s Tree Preservation and Planting Specification Guide.(PDF, 2MB)

The Tree Protection Bond(PDF, 31KB) (if required) is completed by applicants and must be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department urban forester for review.  The urban forester can be reach via email or at 703-255-6336.