Author Archives: TreeStewards

About TreeStewards

TreeStewards of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, are trained volunteers who work to protect, preserve, and enhance urban tree canopy through public education and volunteer activities such as planting, pruning, and caring for trees.

TSAA Training Class Field Hike along Taylor Run

Taylor Run sees daylight at the concrete culvert east of Chinquapin Rec Center along Rte. 7 in Alexandria. Photo by Tree Steward trainee Victor Lopez Tree Steward Bill Gillespie describes how citizens sampled water in Taylor Run to demonstrate that … Continue reading

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Tree Stewards Activities from Fall 2021

Tree Stewards volunteered for numerous planting, pruning, invasive plants removal, and tree distributions/native plant sales this fall. Here are a few photos of TS at work in the community.

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Application Now Open for January 2022 Training Class

**UPDATE: The 2022 training class is now full, so we are no longer taking applications. Thank you for your interest!** Tree Stewards of Arlington & Alexandria will begin a new membership class in late January 2022, and applications are being accepted … Continue reading

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Check for Spotted Lanternfly Spread

This is a great time of year to go out and check your neighborhood for spotted lanternflies. The best place to scout for them is near tree of heaven  where the adults congregate from September to first frost. If you see … Continue reading

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Remembering Tom Schelstrate

I am bereft to learn of the passing of Tom Schelstrate, an educator who never stopped learning and who helped everyone in the room, woods or park more deeply understand trees, even when they seemed confusing. As a student who … Continue reading

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Decision Making for Tree Lovers: Assets and Liabilities

By Nora Palmatier Tree Stewards have heard me brag about the huge oaks in my backyard, especially since the Quercus falcata became not only the Arlington County Champion but also a Specimen Tree, entered on the property deed and needing … Continue reading

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Tree Stewards Used Leap Day to Free Trees from Ivy

Red and white oaks, black gum, hickory and tulip trees can grow straighter because 40 volunteers removed invasive English ivy from the base of their trunks on Leap Day. Led by Tree Steward intern Romana Campos, members of Arlington’s Trinity … Continue reading

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Tree Stewards in the News: TLC for Trees at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington

Tree Stewards Romana Campos and Diane Allard led an ivy cleanup at an Arlington church this past month. The activity is currently featured in an article in the Arlington Connection!

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Oh Deer! What the overpopulation of deer means for our natural areas

Deer are not just eating your hostas. They are munching many important native plants and killing young trees by rubbing the “velvet” off their antlers. So far, some local governments have avoided the “Bambi” issue, but as the population of … Continue reading

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Getting a Grip on Pruning Tools

How heavy is a 2-inch tree branch? Heavy enough to rip the protective bark from the tree trunk if it’s cut wrong, exposing the tree to harmful fungi, bacteria and insects that could eventually kill it. About three dozen of … Continue reading

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