Is Arlington Coming for Your Trees?

The County can’t manage its own trees, but that won’t stop them from managing yours!  The County Government is considering granting itself the authority to manage trees at risk of failure on private property.  The specific language under consideration says:

•  It shall be the duty of any property owner to remove trees or parts thereof on such property when such growth on such property poses danger or hazard to public health or safety..

• Whenever the County Manager determines that a property owner or occupant has violated this article, the Manager shall cause a notice of violation to be served on said owner or occupant.

•  Look in any of the County’s more densely populated areas or many of its parks (e.g., Lubber Run, Glen Carlyn, etc.,) and you’ll see dead trees posing a danger to the public.  This is documented in the 2023 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment. How will the County manage trees on private land as well?  We need you to tell the County that this language will not do.  Most homeowners have insurance covering tree damage.

 Please provide feedback to the County ASAP.  Learn more about the proposal here; read the precise language under consideration here; and provide feedback to the County Manager at countymanager@arlingtonva.us.