Urban Forestry

Mission

The Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is responsible for planting approximately 2,000 new and replacement trees during the planting season, November 1st and April 15th. UFD maintains approximately 120,200 city-owned trees of more than 80 species.

The most common services UFD provides are removal of dead trees and pruning. A tree inspection may be requested by calling the City's Customer Care Center or submitting a request through RVA311. Generally, UFD crews will try to respond with an inspection within ten working days.

The Urban Forestry Division also assists with community education regarding tree care, including speaking to neighborhood groups, conducting tree identification walks, and working with the city Tree Stewards program.

For 27 consecutive years, the National Arbor Day Foundation has bestowed upon Richmond the distinction of Tree City USA. Only 46 communities, eight military bases, and three universities throughout the Commonwealth have received the designation to date.

Congratulations City of Richmond for being designated a “Tree City USA” for the 25th consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Tree Maintenance or Removal

Permits for maintenance or removal of city trees are issued by the Urban Forestry Division in certain cases free of charge. A tree inspection may be requested by calling the City's Customer Care Center at 3-1-1.

Permit Applications

• Street Tree Planting Permit
• Permit to Remove a city Tree
• Permit to perform Maintenance on a city Tree

Approved Species List 2024

Recommended Species (By Size)

Tree Inventory Mapping Application

A tree inventory was conducted of all public right of way trees and is made available here for public informational purposes only. This tree inventory was done by Davey Resource Group and it was completed in three phases starting in 2013 and finishing in 2015. Please use the interactive mapping application to zoom in to areas of interest to inspect the tree information.

Interactive Tree Map 

Tree Inventory Dashboard (click here for a full screen view)

Adopt-A-Tree Program

The Department of Public Works - Urban Forestry Division is currently revising its Adopt-A-Tree Program for 2025/2026. During this timeframe, the Urban Forestry Division will not be accepting applications. All previously received applications and funds will be returned.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience. Periodic updates will be provided to the community as they become available.

Links

• Criteria for Tree Removal in the City of Richmond

• Richmond Tree Stewards Program

• Virginia Urban Tree Canopy Analysis

• Arbor Day Foundation

• Trees Virginia - Virginia Urban Forest Council

• Urban Forestry Service Areas