Trees MUST be a Priority in the County Plan Update!
Arlington County is updating its Comprehensive Plan and is seeking feedback on the guiding principles so they reflect people’s lived experiences and align with community needs and values. The preservation and growth of Arlington’s tree canopy needs to be incorporated into these principles. This process is on a fast track. Help us ensure that trees and green space are priorities in the new Comprehensive Plan for Arlington!
You have until Sunday, November 16, to make your voice heard on a key survey. Provide your feed back here. Let the County know that the community values its trees! Here are some points, you can insert these for each of the six precepts on the survey; you may also want to send your input directly to the County Board, (countyboard@arlingtonva.us), which will be voting on Phase 1 of this effort in early 2026:
Growing our tree canopy to 40% is of utmost importance.
The current situation with large houses on small lots makes this goal almost impossible to achieve.
The existence of mature trees in our neighborhoods improves both the mental and physical health of the citizens and speeds healing.
The existence of mature trees in our neighborhoods reduces both violent and property crime. There is less graffiti, vandalism, and littering in outdoor spaces with natural landscapes than in comparable plant-less spaces.
Trees support social cohesion and reduce stress. Residents in communities where mature trees cool the streets are more likely to venture out into the community to interact with their neighbors and do business with local merchants. Shoppers are drawn to areas where there are trees planted. People have more favorable perceptions of communities with green roads and spaces.
Mature trees increase property values. Prospective residents prefer green areas and trees. People have more favorable perceptions of communities with green roads and spaces.
Mature trees reduce energy usage (and cost) in the community by reducing the ambient temperature in the hottest part of the year.
Trees benefit the region by absorbing carbon and fighting climate change. They also reduce air pollution by filtering particulate matter.
Trees protect the region’s waterways by reducing urban runoff and the amount of sediment, pollutants, and organic matter that reach streams and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.
Want to do more? Attend the meeting of the Long Range Planning Committee of the Planning Commission on Wednesday, November 12 from 7-9 pm either virtually (here) or in person in Room 306A at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION!
Thanks for all you do for trees!