TARA-LEEWAY HEIGHTS
TARA-LEEWAY HEIGHTS
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Help Save Our Declining Tree Canopy
Many of us love our neighborhood for its trees. In recent years, however, we’ve lost nearly a football field-sized area of valuable tree canopy.
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County Study Shows Tree Loss
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In 2024, Arlington County completed a study of tree canopy in Arlington. It assessed tree canopy in 2014, 2018, and 2023 (based on aerial imagery). The data revealed a one acre decline in our neighborhood’s tree canopy, from 43% of our neighborhood covered in tree canopy to 42% (from 2018 to 2023). We were one of only two civic associations to show a decrease in those five years. Overall, the data showed County-wide tree canopy increased from 33% in 2018 to 35% in 2023. The source of biggest gains in the County occurred in its park system (up 6%).
To promote a strong and healthy tree canopy, TLHCA promotes tree planting.
​​Tree Benefits
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Benefits of trees include the obvious enhancement of the natural beauty of the neighborhood, as well as overall improved air and water quality, and reduced summer heat.
Planting native trees, such as oaks, are especially beneficial.
Native trees are those that have naturally grown and evolved in a particular location over a long time. Because of this, natives naturally tend to require less water, have better resistance to disease (so need fewer pesticides) and support far more wildlife (butterflies, insects, birds and small mammals) than non-native plants.
Oaks, by far, provide the most ecological benefit for our locale.
​​Our Special Neighborhood Trees
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Arlington County recognizes special trees as "notable," "specimen," and "champion." We have several.​
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A Champion Tree is the largest specimen of its species in Arlington. TLH has 3. We have the County's Co-Champion White Oak at 16th Street & Kenilworth Streets (pictured above & at bottom). It reaches 85 feet high. We also have a Champion Cedar of Lebanon tree on 18th Road (pictured to right). It is 86 feet tall, and the 5th largest such tree in Virginia. Third, we also have a Champion Post Oak at N Frederick and Washington Blvd, also the 5th largest of its kind in Virginia.
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TLH is also home to 10 "notable" trees.​​
​​What you can do?
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Plant a tree. There are many ways to get a FREE tree. More info:
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Arlington County gives away about 500 native trees per year. Register here
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EcoAction Arlington gives away free trees, based on available funds.
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Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia has tree giveaways called Small Trees Make Big Canopies. They accept tree requests in April & May or in September, October, & November.
Other resources about local trees & even some tax savings:​​
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Earth Sangha in Fairfax is a native plant nursery with a variety of native tree species.
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Plant NOVA Natives provides a list of resources for free or reduced cost native trees.
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Planting a tree may allow you to reduce your annual storm water County fee.
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Also, you can also share your thoughts on what local government should do by emailing the County Board. Or, join a local group of Arlingtonians interested in trees, like the Arlington Tree Action Group, Arlington Tree Connection, EcoAction Arlington, or the Tree Stewards.
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Under-canopy of the largest White Oak in Arlington County located on 16th Street.
