New Detailed Tree Canopy Maps available to public

Based on new and enhanced 2021, it appears that the Arlington Tree canopy covers only 31% of the land in the County. Using better remote data and analysis there has been a substantial reduction from the 41% estimate using 2016 data and this assessment showing only 31%. There are many reasons for the differences, but the bottom line is that the urban forest is not as large as claimed and is shrinking at a disturbing rate.

The new study, funded by private citizens after the County refused to update their 2017 report (based on 2016 data), employed the most current available 2021 aerial photography and 2018 LiDAR data (showing height) to create an improved set of information that was used to identify and analyze the urban forest and the many public services that it provides. In addition, neighborhood by neighborhood information on existing tree canopy, potential planting areas, canopy percentages for all parks, heat impacts, watersheds, etc. was provided. You can access the maps and zoom into any part of Arlington by going to this webpage.