Recommended Trees (for Arlington)

From the Arlington, VA Environment Pages:

The author/keeper of this information, Vincent Verweij, is a graduate of the MNR program and is now Arlington's Urban Forester.

Recommended Trees

This page lists trees appropriate for planting on private property in Arlington County. The lists have been vetted for trees that are structurally sound if maintained well, and do not contain species known to be invasive. To find a list of trees native to our region, consult Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping (Chesapeake Bay Watershed) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To find out whether a species is native to Arlington County, consult the Virginia Digital Plant Atlas

• For planting on County property (along streets, parks and other public areas), refer to our Tree Planting Program.
• If you're a developer or are performing a large project in Arlington, refer to the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance page. The lists on this page do not apply to the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance.
• Consult the Virginia Tech Tree database for more detailed information and pictures.

Contact the County Urban Forester at vverweij@arlingtonva.us for further questions. The lists on this page are subject to change.

Shade Trees

Shade & Maximum Environmental Benefit

Shade trees can significantly alter the microclimate around a home, resulting in a more comfortable environment and significant savings in heating and cooling costs over time. Large shade trees also provide the most significant stormwater and wildlife benefit.
These trees should be planted with the future in mind. Be aware of overhead powerlines or nearby structures when planting these trees.

Shade Tree List

Small and Ornamental Trees

Small Spaces & Accent

A list of trees perfect for accents, ornamental display, or spaces with low soil space. Consider these species when filling out a landscape, or when maintenance budget is limited. Appropriate for planting under most overhead utilities.

Small Tree List

Evergreen Trees

Screening & Shade in the Summer, Wind Breaks in the Winter

Evergreen trees provide great screening, shade in the summer, and wind breaks in the winter. Evergreen trees also provide year-round wildlife food, crucial for survival during the winter.
Some of the larger evergreens should be planted with the future in mind. Be aware of overhead powerlines or nearby structures when planting these trees.

Evergreen Tree List

Invasive Trees

Do Not Plant These Trees

Invasive plant species degrade the landscape in several ways. In Arlington, invasive plants negatively impact ecosystem health, green infrastructure and canopy coverage. Due to their ability to outcompete native plants, invasive plants have displaced many native species that provide habitat and forage for wildlife. Additionally, invasive plants can disrupt normal forest succession by inhibiting regeneration of native tree species.
For more information on invasive species, check out our Invasive Plant Program.

Invasive Tree List

Master Tree List

Technical Compilation of Recommended Trees for Arlington County

A list of trees appropriate for planting in Arlington County. This list has been vetted for trees that are structurally sound if maintained well, and do not pose an ecological risk due to invasion.
Master Tree List (Excel)

Master Tree List