Tree Canopy

In 2002, an Urban Ecosystem Analysis found that Roanoke’s tree canopy was 32 percent, but since then the city has planted almost 3,000 new trees, with a goal of achieving 40 percent tree canopy in 10 years. In early 2010, a Virginia Department of Forestry report showed the city’s tree canopy to be 48 percent of total land area. The report also allows city forestry staff to target specific neighborhoods, blocks, or public properties that do not yet meet the 40 percent goal. Additional tree maintenance efforts by city staff, as well as improvements to zoning regulations that encourage tree preservation and require tree canopy on developed lots, are paying dividends. Roanoke was recently designated a Tree City USA for the 15th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Commemorative Tree Program
Now you can donate a tree in honor or memory of friends and family. Donating a tree is a beautiful gift to celebrate births, weddings, graduations and other events. It is also a wonderful way to remember loved ones.