Citizens and organizations can donate a tree to the County (at a cost of $150-200) to be planted as a commemorative tree. You can donate a tree to memorialize a person or to mark an event such as a birth, an anniversary, or any notable event.

The County's guidelines for this program are summarized below. For more information on commemorative trees, contact Rebecca Feldberg at (703) 228-6521 or email rfeldb@co.arlington.va.us

COMMEMORATIVE TREE GUIDELINES

1. You may request a specific type of tree. County staff persons are available to assist you in making the correct choice.

2. The location for the tree will be determined by your suggestions and by the needs of the County. Please think of an alternate site should your first site choice not be suitable for planting.

3. There are two levels of funding for this program. Level one is for flowering trees and costs $150. Level two is for the majority of shade trees found in this area and costs $200. Some suggested trees are on the attached list. These costs represent the costs incurred by the County for acquiring and planting the tree.

4. Information on the tree donor, (anonymous donors are accepted), location, and the date the tree is planted is recorded by the County. No plaques or tags are allowed in the area where the tree is planted.

5. The maximum size tree that can be planted, that will have the best chance of survival, is a 3-inch caliper tree. Caliper is the diameter of the tree measured at 6 inches above the ground.

6. Planting will be done only during the fall months. This has been shown to be the best time for tree planting in Arlington. You will be notified by mail when the planting has been completed.

7. Checks should be payable to the “Treasurer- Arlington County” with notation that the donation is for the commemorative tree program.

For the Commemorative Tree Application Form, click here.

SUGGESTED STREET TREES

SHADE TREES

• Ginko 70-90'
• Little Leaf Linden 60-80'
• London Plane Tree l20'
• Hackberry 40-60'
• Pin Oak 60-80'
• Red Maple (patented variety) 40-60'
• Willow Oak 60-80'
• Zelkova 60-80'
• Red Oak 60-75'
• Green Ash 50-60'
• Lacebark Elm 40-50'

ORNAMENTAL TREES

• Yoshino Cherry
• Scholar-Tree
• Kousa Dogwood
• Hop Hornbeam
• Yellowwood
• Amur Maple
• Redbud
• Serviceberry
• Fringetree
• Carolina Silverbell
• Sourwood
• Flowering Dogwood

EVERGREEN TREES

• American Holly
• Canadian Hemlock
• Foster's Holly
• Austrian Pine
• Leyland Cypress
• Eastern White Pine
• Serbian Spruce
• Nellie Stevens Holly

This is a list of preferred varieties that are commonly used for street tree plantings. These trees have been selected because of their ability to withstand urban conditions, desirable aesthetics and relatively low maintenance characteristics. Other species are occasionally used depending on special needs, environmental conditions and other considerations. This list is a suggestion list only. Many other species are appropriate, depending on location, and can be discussed with the project coordinator. Larger open space tree plantings allow for a much broader species selection. Selection and planting of evergreen trees is limited due to site distance conflicts or security precautions.

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