Arlington County is preparing to make its list of 265 designated “notable trees” a bit longer.
The Department of Parks and Recreation is accepting nominations for its Notable Tree Program through Nov. 15. The program has identified the county’s most notable trees for nearly 30 years.
Last year, 16 trees were deemed worthy of the designation.
According to the nomination form, the purpose of the program is to “recognize and thank the citizens who maintain and care for the County’s most noteworthy trees.” It also hopes encourage other residents to appreciate and take better care of greenery on their property.
What exactly, then, makes a tree notable?
Size, age, historical interest, species uniqueness and special significance to a neighborhood are all factors that can earn a tree a spot on the county’s registry and a certificate or plaque.
The process to get there, though, can be complicated. First, nominators are encouraged to get consent from the tree’s owner before filling out the one-page application. A team of County staff and volunteers will then visit each tree to measure it and evaluate its condition.
That team will make a recommendation to the Urban Forestry Commission, who will decide whether or not to designate and register the tree.
The winners will receive their award at the County’s Arbor Day ceremony, which falls on April 29, 2016.
Photo via Arlington Dept. of Parks and Recreation