Anyone looking to get a little recognition for their favorite tree can now ask the county to designate it as a “notable tree.”
Nominations are open for the next month, through Nov. 15, for trees to earn the designation.
The county has accepted nominations since 1987 to honor notable trees “and those who care for them,” according to the county’s website. Officials will evaluate trees for inclusion based on the following categories:
- Maturity (Size/Age)
- Historical or community interest
- Uniqueness of species
- Special significance to the neighborhood
Notable trees will earn a certificate or plaque, placement on a county register of trees and could be included on neighborhood walking tours.
Anyone can submit an online form to make a nomination on the county’s website. However, if a tree sits on private property, the county encourages people to contact the property owner for permission first.
County staffers will evaluate each tree, then make recommendations to the Urban Forestry Commission, which has the final say on the matter. The county identified 28 notable trees earlier this year.
Even if a tree earns such a designation, the county notes that private property owners still have a large amount of discretion about the tree’s future.
County officials took quite a bit of flak recently for allowing a large dawn redwood tree, which earned a whole host of local and state commendations, to be chopped down as part of a redevelopment in a Williamsburg neighborhood. Arlington leaders said they worked to avoid that outcome, but said their hands were tied, as the tree was indeed on private property.
File photo