Planting for Energy Conservation

×

Plant trees in the hashed zone to maximize energy conservation for summer cooling.

Place larger shade trees further from building
Place medium shade trees closer to building
15-ft. energy conservation tree placement zone is marked in the hashed area.

Close

Program Overview

Being able to obtain high quality, professionally grown trees suitable for tree planting can be a significant challenge for community organizations in Fairfax County, such as volunteer groups, civic associations, and faith-based organizations. In response to this need, Fairfax County Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD), in partnership with Casey Trees, has a tree delivery program. Fairfax County Tree Distribution to Community Organizations provides an opportunity for community organizations to receive trees for planting on private properties. Cost of the trees will be covered by the county’s Tree Preservation and Planting Fund. The program focuses on increasing tree cover in communities that have been economically disadvantaged and do not benefit from moderate to high tree cover. Tree delivery approval will prioritize supplying trees for planting at sites in or adjacent to Fairfax County-designated highly vulnerable communities, as defined by the county’s One Fairfax policy and its associated Vulnerability Index. While planting in highly vulnerable communities is prioritized, all community organizations are encouraged to apply for tree delivery, regardless of where tree planting is proposed.

The Casey Tree Farm is recognized as one of the foremost nurseries in the region. To support community organizations in Fairfax County, Casey Trees will reserve and deliver trees for planting projects in Fairfax County. 

Available trees are 1.5 to 2.0 inches in caliper, 8.0 to 10.0 feet in height, and weigh approximately 130-150 lbs./each. Trees are professionally grown, landscape quality, and meet or exceed industry standards (ANSI Z60.1). All trees comply with Fairfax County’s Natural Landscape Policy and are non-invasive, regionally native, ecologically appropriate species and cultivars. Trees will be offered by Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at no cost. Delivery includes loading and offloading at a single location designated in the application.

How to Apply

Learn More and Apply

1) Review Resources and Restrictions

Read these resources before applying online. You must acknowledge on the form that you have read them. 

• Tree and Shrub Planting Guidelines | Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Tree Planting and Care: Fairfax County Tree Basics Booklet and Frequently Asked Questions.

Planting Guidelines and Restrictions

1. All trees should be planted as specified in the Virginia Cooperative Extension Tree and Shrub Planting Guidelines.
2. Trees must be planted within one (1) week of delivery.
3. The minimum width of any planting area must be 8 feet. Measure the width from the interior of the sides of the restrictive barrier such as curb or pavement. Trees should be located no closer than 4 feet from any restrictive barrier. It is better to plant further than 4 feet from the barrier for trees that will grow to more than 24 inches in diameter.

4. Consider planting in an area that will ultimately provide shade for dwellings from the afternoon sun. This will reduce cooling costs for dwellings and conserve energy.

   • Place larger shade trees further from building.
   • Place medium shade trees closer to building.
   • 15-ft. energy conservation tree placement zone is marked in the hashed area.

   

   Click image to enlarge.

5. The staking and guying of trees is only needed where these methods may be necessary to ensure stability. Consider staking and guying in windy locations, on steep slopes, or where vandalism may be a concern. All stakes and guys must be removed within one year of installation.
6. Deer guards are strongly recommended. Deer are abundant in Fairfax County and antler rubbing that girdles the trunk of trees may result in tree mortality.
7. Trees must not be planted within any existing or proposed easement. Do not plant trees within 5 feet of the boundary of any easement that contains pipes.
8. Trees must not be planted in an area which will interfere with existing or proposed utilities. Do not plant trees where they will obstruct or interfere with access of maintenance personnel or equipment.
9. Trees received as part of this program cannot be used in the Virginia Department of Transportation right-of-way.
10. Casey Trees will provide delivery to the designated delivery location. Distribution of trees to planting sites (e.g. individual private properties) is the responsibility of the applicant.
11. For instructions on how to plant rootbag trees please visit: How to plant a rootbag tree.

2) Select Tree Species

This program will use trees grown and delivered by Casey Trees, a DC based non-profit organization. There is a 15-tree minimum per application for trees to be delivered to the community organization. Applications containing multiple properties must specify the quantity of trees to be planted on each parcel. The total number of trees to be planted across all properties must be at least fifteen.  Applicants are encouraged to plant species that will grow to a medium or large size to maximize benefits. Small trees may be included if planting space is limited. No single species should comprise more than 33 percent (or 1/3) of the total number of trees requested in each order.

The following species are currently available for Fall 2026 planting.

Trees will typically be 1.5-2.0 inches in caliper, 8-10 ft. tall, and approximately 130-150 lbs. Size may vary based on nursery availability.

Notes Legend: A=adaptable to most conditions, B=interesting bark, F=flowering, W=tolerates wet sites, WL=attracts wildlife, YFC=yellow fall color, MFC=maroon fall color, RFC=red fall color, DED=Dutch Elm Disease

3) Fill Out Application

We have tried to keep the application process as simple as possible. Applicants should designate one contact person from your community organization to communicate with UCFD staff about the application process. Complete and submit the online application. The contact person will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application. UCFD staff will review it and notify the contact person if any further information is needed. When review is complete and the application is approved, the contact person will be notified. The application will then be forwarded to Casey Trees for delivery. Casey Trees will coordinate the timing of delivery with the applicant’s Delivery Contact. Deliveries will be scheduled for Fridays. The last delivery date will be November 20, 2026.

By submitting this form, I acknowledge that this document is a public record under both the Virginia Public Records Act and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. As a public record, it must be retained by Fairfax County in accordance with relevant retention time periods and may be subject to release under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.