City Tree Planting Program
The City of Fairfax manages more than 8,000 public trees along our streets and sidewalks and in parks and open spaces. The city's SPROUT (Stewarding, Planting, Restoring Our Urban Forest) initiative is identifying priority areas to plant additional street trees in residential neighborhoods and in parks to increase benefits to residents.
When does the city plant trees?
The city's official tree planting seasons are March 15 - May 31 and Sept. 15 - Nov. 30, but may vary depending on frozen soil conditions or seasonal drought.
How will residents be notified of new tree plantings?
Public notice will be provided via door hangers, letters, Fairfax City News emails, and/or seasonal planting summaries in the mailed Cityscene Newsletter.
What is young tree maintenance?
Newly planted trees typically become established within three years with proper care. Young tree maintenance may include seasonal watering, pruning, mulching, and weeding. Maintenance is completed by city staff or contractors as needed.
Report young tree maintenance requests or replacement through Fairfax City Resolve.
How does the city select trees?
Some guidelines the city considers when planting trees:
- Trees should be selected from the city's Master Tree List(PDF, 209KB), with priority given to native species that are low maintenance and drought tolerant
- For street trees, the planting strip or street median should be at least 4 feet wide
- Tree growth should not obstruct traffic signs, driver/trail user visibility, driveways, sidewalks, water service lines, alleys, fire hydrants, trails, access paths, park amenities, or street/park lighting
- Select small sized trees when within 20 feet of high voltage utility lines
What is a city street tree?
City street trees are planted in the right-of-way along public roads. The right-of-way is usually the first 8-20 feet from the edge of the roadway to the start of private property. In residential neighborhoods, you'll typically see street trees in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb or in planting medians in the center of the road.
How do I request a city street tree in my neighborhood?
To request a street tree, please email trees@fairfaxva.gov.
City staff will review the request and contact you once we determine if the location is right for a tree. Priority planting locations include locations of past tree removals and neighborhoods with low tree canopy coverage.