Urban Forestry

Best Management Practices for Tree Preservation, Transplanting, and Removal (PDF)

The City of Charlottesville has created this guide for homeowners, developers and others related to the care and preservation of trees. The City also publishes a Standards and Design Manual of specific requirements and specifications for work built in public areas of the City.

See also: Tree Conservation

Downtown Mall Tree Assessment Report (PDF)

The City of Charlottesville commissioned James Urban and Keith Pitchford to develop an assessment of trees on the Downtown Mall. These trees, many of which are now mature willow oaks, were planted in 1976 as part of Lawrence Halprin’s design for the new Downtown Mall. As the trees have grown, some have grown too close together and challenges have arisen with regard to proper maintenance and assuring the long-term survival of the trees, as well as remaining true to the historic design. This report addresses these challenges and the City is proactively planning to manage the Mall trees in the coming years by developing specific recommendations for each group of trees.

Invasive Plant Inventory (PDF)

This assessment of public lands was conducted to determine the extent, type, and management options for exotic trees, vines, and other plants that threaten our urban forests and landscapes. Invasive plant species management techniques (PDF) for various invasive species are included in the report appendix. Take a look at the Charlottesville Vegetative Debris Management Plan (PDF) for more details.

Charlottesville Master Tree List (PDF)

This list was developed by the Tree Commission and Charlottesville Parks and Recreation staff to assist homeowners and developers when selecting and planting trees.

See also: Tree Inventory & Interactive Dashboard

In addition to the resources on this website and in City parks, the City of Charlottesville helps educate the public in several other important ways:

Jefferson Park Avenue Utility Friendly Arboretum

The Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) Utility Friendly Arboretum (PDF) showcases tree species that fit under and above utilities without needing pruning and that do not impact the utilities around them. Visit the median along JPA to see trees and learn more about how you can plant similar trees on your property.

Tree City USA Recognition

Charlottesville has received Tree City USA Recognition since 2006 and received a "Growth Award" in 2010 for its efforts to further improve its forestry management.

Arbor Day Celebration

The City of Charlottesville holds an annual Arbor Day celebration. For more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Program, visit the Tree City USA website.

Urban Forest Management Plan (PDF)

This plan has been developed that supports the City’s historical commitments, is strategic in structure and will enable Charlottesville to be proactive in the stewardship of our natural resources, both public and private.