A few years ago I was talking with the former Director of Vienna’s Parks and Recreation Department and she told me that they planted about 90 trees a year around town.
But, they were removing 110.
Planting trees in Vienna, VA
With Vienna in the middle of a rebuilding boom where the mature tree canopy is being removed and replaced with younger trees, it may be decades before we see as many majestic oaks.
Yet, even when builders work to protect and save an established tree, the new homeowner has the right to remove that tree anytime they want.
Over the last decade, I have seen hundreds of old oak and maple trees get cut down. Although it is tough to imagine, fifty years ago that urban forest we see today consisted of small trees. which are now part of the urban forest of mature, 75′ to 85′ trees all over town.
The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.
The second best time is today.
My conversation with Cathy helped me understand that the Town was doing their part replacing trees lost to bad weather, disease, or age. But not much more.
It was easy to recognize that the Town’s tree canopy needed attention.
Cathy asked me to meet with the Community Enhancement Commission to propose a fund similar to one in the City of Falls Church. A tree replacement fund allowed citizens to make donations with the intention that the Parks and Recreation Department to plant more and larger caliper trees.
Luckily the members thought it was a good idea, and then proposed the plan to the Vienna Town Council who approved the donation program.
“Tree Vienna Donation Program”
The Town’s Tree Donation Fund allows the Parks Department to buy larger trees to replace lost trees on Town property only. Planting larger caliper trees will enhance the tree canopy sooner, maybe only 15 years from now.
I encourage you to support the Town’s effort to plant larger trees on Town property.
I am a proud supporter of the Town’s effort to plant additional trees, and, personally, make donations periodically during the year.
Recently, the Town Arborist was nice enough emailing a photo to me of a tree planted at Glyndon Park using donated funds. Although the trees aren’t memorials and I never specify where I want a tree planted, it was fun to see one planted in Glyndon Park where some older trees have been taken down. He told me that some residents have donated hundreds of dollars to the fund.
You can help Vienna plant trees for the future!
If you are looking for a way to “give-back” to the Town of Vienna, then sending in a donation to this fund is a great way to help Vienna plant trees for the future.
Vienna’s tree canopy is an integral part of the Town’s charm. Please do your part and donate today.
To participate, here is a link to the Town’s official donation form.
