Tree Canopy Fund
About the Tree Canopy Fund
The Tree Canopy Fund (TCF), which provides for planting trees to restore and increase Arlington County’s tree cover was launched in 2009, after Arlington County Board approval in 2007. The program gives grants to community groups to plant and maintain trees on private property. The TCF is administered by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment(ACE) and the Arlington County Urban Forestry Commission (UFC).
The purpose of the TCF is to arrest the decrease in tree cover in Arlington County in recent decades and then to assist in increasing canopy over time. Grant applications can be for tree planting on private property or public education and outreach related to the stewardship of trees. The TCF provides funds for planting trees with diameters of about two inches that, at maturity, will be large, canopy trees.
Groups eligible to apply for and receive TCF grants include civic and homeowner associations, community nonprofit organizations, civic service clubs, school-related groups, and ad hoc neighborhood groups. Individuals may also apply for grants for maintenance to be performed on specific trees designated by Arlington County through their Champion Tree Program and Tree and Shrub Ordinance. ACE and UFC reserve the right to reduce the scope and/or cost of any proposal.
Grant applications will be accepted and approved once or twice a year, depending on the availability of funds.
Report on the Status of Trees Planted in 2012
Use this form to report on the status of trees that were planted in 2012 that are not thriving, as detailed on the form.
2013 Tree Canopy Fund Application Procedure:
- Read our Tree Canopy Fund Instructions and FAQs.
- Complete an expression of interest form for your project and designate two point people for your group. Note – applying in coordination with a civic association, homeowner’s association, church/synagogue or other group is highly encouraged. Applications from individuals not affiliated with a group will also be accepted.
- Attend the information session at Fairlington Community Center on Monday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. (View PDF of Tree Canopy Fund 2013 with application overview that was presented at this session.)
- Submit your proposal online by Friday, June 21.
- You will receive notice of awards in mid-September.
- Approved trees will be planted in the October to December timeline. Note: This schedule is tentative and some planting may occur in the Spring, depending on the species.
2013 Tree Canopy Fund Materials
- Expression of Interest Form
- TCF Guidelines 2013 (PDF)
- Tree Canopy Fund Species Available 2013 (PDF)
- Online Application Forms for civic associations and condominiums/homeowner’s associations. (Individuals should use the civic association form.)
Additional Resources for Applicants:
- Arlington County – All About Trees
- Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses [Paperback] - Michael A. Dirr
- Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia [Illustrated Hardcover] – Michael A. Dirr
- Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines: A Guide to Using, Growing, and Propagating North American Woody Plants [Hardcover] – William Cullina
- Tree Photos and Fact Sheets:
- North Carolina State University (website)
- Baltimore County (PDF)
- Tree Selection: Right Tree, Right Place, Right Care (PDF of presentation given at 2012 information session.)
- Tree-Canopy-Fund-2011-Awardees (PDF)
- 2012 Tree Canopy Fund Awardees (coming soon)