A milestone in Alexandria history was made on Saturday, October 11^th as the Alexandria Beautification Committee (ABC), in conjunction with the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria, conducted the first city-sponsored tree planting on private property.  Recognizing that Alexandria would be hard pressed to meet its tree canopy equity goals of 40% by planting only on existing public land, the ABC set out to partner with properties on the West End to bring the City closer to their goal.

The Hamlets once occupied a large footprint near Beauregard and contained lots of old growth trees but in subsequent years the property had been broken up into a handful of separate properties with little to no tree planting for the last several decades. Liz Gelfer, ABC Vice Chair, and commission member Russ Bailey walked each of the properties and hoped to use Lynbrook Apartments for the inaugural planting. Fortunately, the property management team of Morgan Properties was very excited about the partnership.

On a beautiful Saturday in September, Tree Stewards Paul Kaplowitz and Russ Bailey led an engaging and educational tree walk at Quincy Park in Arlington. The event, organized in partnership with Arlington Central Library, brought together tree lovers from across the community to learn about Arlington’s trees.

Earlier this summer, Tree Stewards mapped the trees in Quincy Park and identified 19 different species! The park is home to many Willow Oaks, Northern Red Oaks, Red Maples, at Southern Catalpas. Attention was also brought to the Bradford Callery Pears, a commonly planted but invasive species that should be avoided in future landscaping.

Participants asked thoughtful questions throughout the walk and a good time was had by all! The strong turnout and enthusiasm suggest there’s plenty of interest in more programs like this and Tree Stewards looks forward to leading more Neighborhood Tree Walks in the near future–we hope to see you there!

From September 1st to October 15th, the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) collects a variety of species of acorns and nuts from local trees and sends them along to the Augusta Nursery in Crimora, VA to be cultivated into tree seedlings that will become the forests of tomorrow. Seedlings grown from Virginia-grown seed generally produce trees that will best thrive in our state’s climates. These seeds will produce next year’s hardwood seedling crop, which will be sold to Virginia’s forestland owners. 

Interested in sharing your acorns or nuts, or possibly know where a healthy specimen tree is located? Visit Seeking Acorns and Nuts to Grow Seedlings to see the species needed for 2025 and learn how to get started!

Today’s the day for the Del Ray GardenFest and we have a new tree addition. Check out the Loblolly Pine!

The Del Ray GardenFest 2025 is Sunday, April 27^st from noon – 4 pm at the Colasanto Park baseball field at Commonwealth Ave & Mt Vernon Ave. GardenFest is a fun, free, educational afternoon of garden-centric demonstrations, informational booths, and interactive activities. The neighborhood is invited to come out and learn about all sorts of gardening topics, such as the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia plant clinic, at-home composting, growing native plants, and beekeeping. They’ll be giving away hundreds of native tree seedlings and seed packets to anyone who wants them! Plants will also be available for sale for you to bring home. Stop by the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria to learn about site and plant selection and learn more about what our group is doing in the community.

GardenFest is hosted annually by the Del Ray Citizens Association (DRCA).  More information can be found on their website, Del Ray Gardenfest 2025.

This year they will be giving away free trees and shrubs, courtesy of Fairfax ReLeaf. Click on the links below to explore these wonderful plants.

• White Oak (Quercus alba)
• American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) 
• Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
• Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua)
• Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
• Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
• Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Learn more about site selection, planting, and ongoing care here.

White Oak (Quercus alba)

White oak, scientifically known as Quercus alba, a majestic and resilient tree, offers myriad benefits that make it a cherished addition in various envrionments. This versatile species is renowned for its strength, durability, and ecological contributions. This incredible tree supports 80 birds and mammals and up to 534 Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) species.

Characteristics

• Size: White Oak trees can grow up to 80-100 feet tall, with a canopy spreading 50-80 feet wide.
• Leaves: Its leaves are deeply lobed, green in summer, turning shades of red and brown in the fall.
• Bark: The bark is light gray and scaly, providing a distinctive appearance.

Benefits

• Wildlife Value: White oak plays a crucial role in our ecosystems. As a native tree species, it provides habitat and food for numerous wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The acorns produced by white oaks are a vital food source for animals such as deer, squirrels, and turkeys, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the forest.
• Environmental Impact: The tree provides significant benefits in terms of carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and biodiversity support.
• Longevity: White Oak trees are known for their durability and can live for several centuries, making them a valuable addition to landscapes.

Care

• Conditions: Prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline.
• Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, primarily occasional watering during dry periods and pruning to maintain shape.

Additional information can be found at White Oak at NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Keep Reading for More Tree Species!

As the temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, spring is a critical time for the trees in your yard. Whether you have towering oaks, leafy maples, or flowering cherries, caring for your trees during this season can help them thrive throughout the year. As tree stewards in Arlington and Alexandria, we understand how valuable trees are to our local landscapes, and we want to share some practical tips that homeowners can implement right now to support their trees during this beautiful, yet vital, time of year.

1. Watering Wisely

Spring can be unpredictable in terms of rainfall, and trees need consistent moisture to support new growth. Deep watering is essential, particularly for newly planted trees or trees that have been stressed by previous seasons. Aim to water deeply once or twice a week (depending on rainfall) to encourage roots to grow deep into the soil. A slow drip or soaker hose is ideal, as it allows the water to reach the roots without causing runoff.

2. Mulch for Moisture Retention

Applying a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of your trees can help retain moisture in the soil, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the tree trunk to avoid rot—mulch should form a “donut” shape around the tree, not a “volcano.” Wood chips, shredded bark, or leaves all work well, but avoid using synthetic mulches that may not allow proper water penetration.

3. Pruning Dead or Damaged Branches

The agenda for TSAA’s December 7. 2024, General Meeting and Class Graduation Party at the Park Fairfax Party Room in Alexandria was a full one.  There was Board business to conduct, such as electing the 2025 slate of officers, as well as announcing the graduates of the Fall training class and recognizing those who had completed their internships.  Graduates of the 2024 Training Class presented what they learned while doing their class projects, and those who completed their intern requirements were presented with hand pruners to use as they go forth as full TSAA members.  All of the new graduates and new members were warmly welcomed and applauded.