Alexandria, VA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Sec. 6-2-2 of the general code makes it unlawful for anyone other than the director or a duly authorized representative to plant, trim, prune or remove a tree, shrub, plant or other vegetation on a dedicated street, alley, public right-of-way or easement, parking strip, median or planting strip, or other city-owned public place, without first applying for and obtaining a permit. Public school sites are excluded, and the section carves out an exception for ordinary grass trimming and mowing in the right-of-way. Under Sec. 6-2-3, the director issues the written permit at no charge, but only after finding the proposed work necessary or desirable, consistent with any adopted master tree plan, and performed in a workmanlike manner; the permit states the approved location, species, allowed work and duration.

Sec. 6-2-5 limits what may actually go into the ground: only the major and minor trees, and low shrubs under 30 inches that will not obscure sightlines, listed in the city's planting schedule (species such as red maple, willow oak, littleleaf linden and Japanese zelkova) qualify, and any newly planted tree must have at least one foot of unobstructed earth around the trunk on every side. Once a tree is planted under a permit, Sec. 6-2-4 reserves to the city the right to trim, prune or remove it at any time without notifying the abutting owner. The director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities administers the whole program under Sec. 6-2-1.