We can do this together! Here’s how.

Protect against accidental damage

• Don’t let mulch touch the base of your tree. Building up mulch against a tree causes the bark to rot.

• Avoid soil compaction, such as from from cars or heavy machinery

• Don’t use a string trimmer or a lawn mower near a tree. Protect it with a ring of native groundcover plants or a thin layer of organic mulch. As much as possible, leave fallen leaves under the tree to protect the roots and provide homes for fireflies.

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Don’t cut down healthy trees

• Worried that your tree might fall on your house? Consult a certified independent arborist (one who does not sell tree services, known as a Consulting Arborist in the industry) who can assess the risk. An every two year visit is wise.

• Tired of raking? Just don’t rake! The fallen leaves belong under the tree, where they provide habitat for fireflies and where they nourish the soil as they break down.

• Doing construction? Future owners will be grateful for the shade provided by mature trees.

Rescue trees from invasive non-native vines

• On your own property -

  • See the invasives vine chart to learn to recognize them and distinguish them from the beneficial native ones

  • Take action to control the invasive vines

  • Or hire someone to do it for you!

• In your community

  • Become an official Tree Rescuer to survey the trees at risk and alert your community.

  • Work with organizations to do the work of removing invasives. These groups are well set up to train you and ensure safety. Events take place year round and always need more help. In many situations you may work independently on your own schedule as well once you are on-boarded.

    • Arlington County RIP (Remove Invasive Plants)

    • City of Alexandria parks - Buddie Ford and Dora Kelley

    • Dyke Marsh

    • Fairfax County Park Authority IMA (Invasive Management Program) - over 60 locations around the county with periodic volunteer events. Special opportunities for "FCPA Tree Rescuer" volunteers to work independently.

    • Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly

    • Falls Church Habitat Restoration or email arborist@fallschurchva.gov if you have another project in mind.

    • Friends of Holmes Run

    • Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail

    • Leesylvania State Park, Prince William

    • Loudoun - Banshee Reeks and JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Mason Neck State Park, Fairfax

    • National Park Service Weed Warriors

    • NOVA Parks including the W&OD trail and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

    • Northern Virginia Conservation Trust - periodic events in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria

    • Purcellville - Suzanne R. Kane Nature Preserve and Chapman DeMary Trail

    • Reston Association Habitat Heroes

    • Riverbend Park, Great Falls 

    • Town of Vienna Parks

    • VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation)

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