Every year since 2001, the Arbor Day Foundation USA has designated the Town of Vienna as a Tree City USA.  The Arbor Day Foundation provides a framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management:

• maintaining a tree board or department
• having a community tree care ordinance
• spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
• celebrating Arbor Day.

The Town of Vienna is committed to maintaining and enhancing its tree canopy. Trees are vulnerable to climate change, insects, disease and removal for development.  The Town works with developers and homeowners to protect and preserve its privately owned mature tree canopy.  We’re particularly proud of our oldest trees.

Trees and the Development Process

The Town of Vienna adopted the Virginia Tree Conservation Code based on the Virginia State Code 15.2-961.1 as of July 29, 2024.  The Tree Conservation Code is now contained in Chapter 17 of the Town Code and replaces the former Tree Replacement Code.  Tree Preservation and tree canopy requirements apply on all land parcels within the Town of Vienna.  Specific Tree Canopy Coverage percentage requirements vary by zone.  Guidance on how builders and homeowners can meet tree canopy requirements is outlined in the Tree Preservation and Planting Guide.  Builders can earn recognition under the Vienna Eco-Efficient Homes Initiative by achieving 30% canopy coverage within 10 years after development.  Builders are also encouraged to preserve neighboring trees during construction as a best practice.

Development References
Tree Preservation and Planting Guide
Town of Vienna Landscape Tree List (restricted list included)
Canopy Coverage Workbook
Commonwealth of Virginia - The Natural Communities of Virginia Ecological Groups and Community Types
ANSI Z60 – Nursery Stock Standards
Tree and Shrub Planting Guidelines - VA Cooperative Extension publication 430-295
Tree Diameter Measurement Guidelines

Development Details
Root Pruning
Tree Planting
Tree Planting on Slope
Tree Protection Fence
Root protection padding

The Town of Vienna accepts donations for the purchase of street and park trees. Please see our donation page for additional details.

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