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Tree Preservation & ISA Certified Arborist Services in Northern Virginia

Fairfax County, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria each handle trees on development sites differently. DMV Horticulture helps project teams understand what their jurisdiction expects, document the trees on and next to the site, and keep protection in place through construction.

Todd Krellner is an ISA Certified Arborist with more than 20 years in the industry. We provide tree preservation planning, ISA Certified Arborist consulting, and construction tree protection across Northern Virginia.

Trenchless sediment and erosion control with root protection matting over 12 inches of wood chips protecting a tree root zone
Root protection matting and trenchless erosion control inside a tree protection zone

Fairfax County

Fairfax County’s Tree Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 122) requires development sites to reach a set tree canopy within 10 years after development, from 10% to 30% depending on zoning. The County expects that requirement to be met first through preserving existing trees.

  • Tree inventory with species, size (DBH), and condition
  • Tree protection areas and protection fencing details shown on the plans
  • 10-year canopy calculations that credit preserved trees

Arlington County

  • Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 61). Land disturbance over 2,500 square feet requires a landscape conservation plan with tree preservation and planting approved by the County’s urban forestry staff, and neighbors are notified of potential tree impacts. Changes to the limits of disturbance or tree protection must be coordinated with the County arborist.
  • Tree Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 67). Protects County-owned trees and trees designated as Heritage, Memorial, Specimen, or Street Trees. Damaging or removing a designated tree can carry a civil penalty of up to $2,500 per violation.

City of Alexandria

Alexandria’s Landscape Guidelines apply to grading plans, development site plans, and development special use permits. They include a Tree and Vegetation Protection Plan, and tree protection measures must be installed and confirmed by the City before work proceeds.

How We Help on Northern Virginia Projects

  • Tree inventories and condition assessments
  • Tree preservation recommendations before plans are finalized
  • Arborist reports on root zone impacts and design alternatives
  • Tree protection details for plans and permit review
  • Installation and monitoring of tree protection during construction
  • Coordination with County and City arborists and urban foresters
Chain-link tree preservation fence with trenchless sediment and erosion control over wood chips
Tree preservation fencing with trenchless sediment control

Northern Virginia Tree Preservation: Frequently Asked Questions

Does tree preservation help meet Fairfax County’s canopy requirement?

Yes. Fairfax County expects its 10-year canopy requirement to be met first through tree preservation, and preserved trees are credited in the canopy calculations on the plan.

When does Arlington require a tree plan?

Projects with more than 2,500 square feet of land disturbance must meet the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, which includes tree preservation and planting requirements reviewed by the County.

When should I bring in an arborist?

Before the limits of disturbance are set. Adjusting a footprint, grading, or a utility route early is far less expensive than redesigning after a plan comment or a field inspection.

Northern Virginia Service Area

We work in Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Fairfax, and Centreville. We also serve Washington, DC and Maryland.

Get In Touch Today

Call or text 443-934-0871, or email toddk@dmvhorticulture.com. Tell us the address and where the project stands, and we will tell you which tree requirements apply.

Or send your project details below and Todd will follow up.