Despite Arlington’s existing lot coverage and stormwater management regulations, impervious area is increasing Countywide, especially in residential areas. Impervious area increases the risk of flooding and extreme heat, which are the two most dangerous weather threats facing Arlington today.
To help mitigate these risks and improve climate resilience, Arlington is considering the adoption of a maximum impervious area requirement in lower density, residentially zoned areas of Arlington. The County Board has directed staff to study potential amendments to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO) to support Arlington's goals to improve the stormwater system and expand the tree canopy. Learn more at arlingtonva.us/lowresidentialstudy or join us at an upcoming event!
The stormwater utility credit application period is now open, today through January 31, 2026. You can apply through the County's Request Service/Report a Problem tool anytime. Have questions? Find helpful credit resources below or by visiting arlingtonva.us/stormwaterutilitycredit.
Take our pre-screening survey to see if you will qualify for credit before sending in an application today.
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1425 N. Quincy, 8:30am to 3pm. The Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) is a biannual environmentally friendly drop-off event at which residents can safely dispose of household hazardous materials (HHM) and old electronics. More information
Forest Bathing
Next date: Saturday, November 08, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Fall is an exciting time to be outdoors with crisp fresh air and changing colors. We need only slow down and really pay attention. This Forest Bathing Program will guide you through woods and by streams or fields where you will be invited to use your senses to rediscover the natural world around you. We’ll conclude the experience with tea and snacks. Dress for the weather (light rain or shine) and the possibility of sitting on the ground or on a log. Registration Required.
Metropolitan Park Walking Tour
Next date: Sunday, November 09, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Families. Come explore Metropolitan Park, part of Amazon's HQ2 with members of the landscape design team. Our knowledgeable guides will lead a gentle walk to look at using native plants in landscape design in the park. Join us at 1330 S Fair Street, Arlington, VA 22202. Registration Required.
Understanding and Protecting Resource Protection Areas
November 14, 12 PM - 1 PM. Do you have Resource Protection Area (RPA) on your property? Are you curious about the recent updates to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance and what they mean for you? Attend this lunch time session to learn more about RPAs and how to protect RPA on your property. You will also learn about the recent ordinance updates and what they may mean for home improvement projects on your property. The session will be recorded and posted online.
Next date: Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM. Adults. Arlington hosts a diverse cast of over 50 native tree species! Join us for a light walk to learn how to identify trees without leaves or flowers, by looking at their buds, bark, and other features. Teens age 14 and up are welcome to attend with a registered adult. Registration Required. Gulf Branch Nature Center. 3608 N. Military Road.
Next date: Saturday, December 06, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Adults. Holiday crafters are invited to create their own evergreen wreath to spruce up your home or give as special gifts. We’ll provide music, refreshments, basic instruction and enough materials for each participant to make a wreath and we'll have extra for arrangements or swags. Participants should bring hand pruners or wire cutters (if you have them) and any extra materials or special decorations you may wish to add. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome, but must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration Required.
Only Rain Down the Drain!
Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in Northern Virginia. Please pick up the dog stuff, recycle used motor oil, and don’t over fertilize your lawn.
A significant portion of Arlington County’s residents are renters. The County's AIRE team recognizes the complexities associated with incorporating energy efficiency measures into leased homes. To assist renters of all types, we have curated resources that guide renters in adopting environmentally friendly practices within their apartments, condos, houses and other dwellings. Check out these resources.
Sustainable Landscape Services
If you are looking for a sustainable landscape designer or installer, consider hiring someone with the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification. The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification is a voluntary credential system for professionals who design, install, and maintain sustainable landscapes. The credential training and examination are based on a core set of standards in sustainable landscaping emphasizing stormwater best practices and conservation landscaping with native plants to benefit the environment.
Do you hire a company to take care of your lawn? Landscaping companies registered with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as Green & Clean Landscapers agree to follow landscaping practices that will reduce the amount of fertilizer runoff into our streams and rivers. Such practices include testing the soil for nutrient content before applying any fertilizer, adhering to caps on the amount of nitrogen applied to grass throughout the year, sweeping up any fertilizer that lands on hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways, and recycling grass clippings back into the soil. Learn more about the program and see the full list of companies on the Green & Clean registry.
If you contract with a landscaping company that uses your County-provided collection services to dispose of yard waste, you are responsible for coordinating with your contractor to ensure that any yard waste is placed in your County-provided yard waste cart, paper bags, bundles or household containers and set out for collection after 5 p.m. on the day prior to your service day. Your contractor may not set out yard waste in plastic bags for collection. Plastic isn't compostable and won't be collected. Only biodegradable paper yard waste bags will be collected.
Turn Your Yard into a Wildlife Sanctuary!
Would you like to turn your garden into a welcoming space for birds, butterflies and other native wildlife and help enhance the value of our urban green spaces? Get free advice on how to make your yard more wildlife friendly! The Northern Virginia Bird Alliance assists homeowners in restoring their home’s natural habitat by providing information on sustainable gardening practices. These practices include using native plants, removing invasive species, reducing use of pesticides and fertilizers, and creating space for native flora and fauna.
Wildlife Sanctuary ambassadors will visit and consult with you on suitable native plants, landscaping, water retention, or other best practices. To learn more about the program in Arlington or Alexandria, please visit Northern Virginia Bird Alliance. If you have additional questions, please contact Alda Krinsman. Volunteer ambassadors will arrange a site visit and talk with you about ways to enhance habitat in your garden.
Take the Guess Work Out of Choosing Native Plants for Your Yard!
Maybe you know a little about native plants and how they are important for the ecological functioning of our landscapes, including assisting our sagging populations of butterflies and other pollinators. Maybe you know nothing about natives and just want some new ideas for beautifying your landscaping. Whatever your goal and whatever your knowledge level, the Plant Nova Natives website includes terrific, picture-filled, and easy to follow information that will help you choose native species that are suited to your property and available at local nurseries. On the website, you will find a colorful guide to local native species, a list of local businesses that supply natives, and links to organizations that will come to your property and offer customized landscaping recommendations.
Tree Care Resources
Concerned about your trees? The maintenance of medium to large trees is best left to qualified arborists both in terms of evaluating the need, and applying the treatment. While well executed pruning can sometimes reduce the risk of failure, poorly executed pruning can increase the risk. For a list of certified arborists in this area:
Trees fallen onto public property during a storm? For all emergencies, call 911. This includes downed power lines, fallen trees that are blocking major streets and safety issues that need immediate attention.
All trees that fall on private property become the responsibility of the owner, regardless of their original location.
Downed power lines from tree failure? Stay clear of downed power lines and downed trees in their vicinity, even if you believe that the lines are dead or have been de-energized by the power company. Lines can become re-energized as circuits are restored or come into contact with live lines. Don’t assume that lines have been de-energized just because a power company crew has visited the site.
Call Dominion Energy at 1-866-366-4357. Trees on power lines are by state law the domain of the utility company. As soon as power lines are removed from trees or made safe, the owner of the property can work to remove the tree.
