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Address:
900 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA
23219 USA
Hours: Mon - Fri (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Phone No. 804-646-6430
Email: Ask Public Works
Richmond Tree Plan
The City of Richmond is working with Weston & Sampson to create its first ever Urban Forest Master Plan - a long-term strategy to grow, care for, and protect trees across the city.
The Tree plan is a roadmap for residents, city leaders, and community partners to work together as stewards of Richmond's urban forest. It will help us:
- Understand the city's current urban tree canopy coverage
- Identify areas where more trees are needed
- Develop strategies for planting and protection
- Promote tree equity so all communities benefit
- Educate and engage residents in caring for trees
Richmond's Department of Public Works Urban Forestry Division is leading the plan, with support from the Office of Sustainability, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Groundwork RVA, Happily Natural, Southside ReLeaf, Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, and other community partners.
Trees are one of the most powerful tools - they clean the air, provide shade, reduce flooding, provide habitat for wildlife, and bring beauty and vibrancy to our streets and parks.
By investing in our urban forest now, we're building a stronger, cooler and more connected city for generations to come.
Origin of the Tree Plan
This plan is a key part of RVAgreen 2050 and supports goals from Richmond 300 and other city initiatives focused on climate action, equity, and sustainable growth. It will guide how we plant, protect, and care for trees across Richmond, especially in neighborhoods most affected by heat, flooding, and health disparities.
Richmond has taken meaningful steps to grow its urban forest. For 33 consecutive years, the city has earned the Tree City USA designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Additionally, between 2013 and 2015, a public tree inventory was completed for all right-of-way trees. This plan will build on those efforts and provide an updated canopy assessment.
The Richmond Tree Plan is largely being funded by a $6 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service for deep investments in urban forestry efforts. The city’s $6 million investment represents the largest award in the State of Virginia.
Community input helps shape a plan that reflects the needs and values of Richmond’s diverse communities. This is your urban forest - and your voice helps grow it.
The Richmond Tree Plan kicked off in November 2025 with a successful series of pop-up events during Richmond Tree Week, as well for Earth Day 2026. The outreach team connected with approximately 300 residents at bus stops, libraries, community centers, and volunteer plantings.
The Team is popping up across Richmond this fall to share results from a new Tree Canopy Assessment. Explore the latest tree canopy maps and learn how the assessment will help shape the Richmond Tree Plan. Come say hello, grab a refreshment, and share your insights on the state of our urban forest.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| RVA BIG Market With Grow RVA | Bryan Park 4308 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23227 | Saturday, October 24th, 8:00am - 12:00pm |
| South of the James Farmers Market With Grow RVA | Forest Hill Park 4021 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225 | Saturday October 25th, 10:00am - 1:00pm |
| City of Richmond Trunk or Treat With Richmond Department of Transportation | Main Street Station - North Plaza & West Parking Lot, 1500 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219 | Thursday, October 29th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm |
| Tree Plan Pop-Up at Blackwell Park Planting & Tree Care Day With Richmond Parks & Rec and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Pre-registration is required to participate in the volunteer planting event. | Blackwell Park (Charlie Sydnor Playground) 1400 Maury St, Richmond, VA 23224 | Thursday, November 5th, 9:00am - 12:00pm |
| Libby Hill Planting and Arbor Day Ceremony With Urban Forestry, Parks & Rec, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Pre-registration is required to participate in the volunteer planting event. | Libby Hill Park 2801 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223 | Saturday, November 7th, 9:00am - 1:00pm |
| Science Museum of Virginia Earth Day Festival | Science Museum of Virginia 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 | Saturday, April 18th, 2026, 12:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Richmond City Neighborhood & Civic Association Summit | Main Street Station 1500 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219 | Monday, April 20th, 2026, 5:30pm - 7:30pm |
| City Arbor Day Ceremony | Chimborazo Park 3215 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223 | Saturday, November 8th, 2025 9:00am – 1:00 pm |
| Cool the City Crafternoon | Abuelita's 6400 Midlothian Tpke, Richmond, VA 23225 |
Thursday, November 6th, 2025, 4:00pm – 6:00pm |
| Tree Plan Pop-Up at Broad Rock Community Center | Broad Rock Community Center 4615 Ferguson Ln, Richmond, VA 23234 |
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm |
| Tree Plan Pop-Up at GRTC Downtown Transfer Bus Station | GRTC Downtown Bus Transfer Station 808 E Clay St, Richmond, VA 23219 |
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, 4:00pm – 6:00pm |
| Richmond Public Library Tree Storytime | Select Richmond Public Library Branches | November 3rd – 6th, 2025 |
Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
