Why is HMA undertaking the Street Tree Project?
Monument Avenue is distinguished by its historic designations, with the street tree canopy serving as a defining element of its character. The avenue’s design features trees with heights carefully proportioned to the width of the street and the height of adjacent homes, creating a picturesque setting that attracts tourists and photographers from across the region. Preserving this natural beauty is essential to maintaining the avenue’s legacy.
After consulting expert arborists, it was determined that the tree canopy along Monument Avenue is in decline, with ninety out of 350 trees either missing, severely compromised, or dead. The city’s replacement schedule has been slow, leading some residents to plant random tree cultivars that may not align with the avenue’s National Historic Landmark status or its overall design. To address this, HMA collaborated with the City of Richmond Urban Forestry and obtained permission from both the Commission for Architectural Review (CAR) and the Urban Design Commission to revise the street tree plan for Monument Avenue.
How can I help the Monument Avenue Tree Project right now?
Donations of any amount are being accepted through the Historic Monument Avenue and Fan District Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Click here to make a donation.
Why are the Maple Trees Dying?
Rising average temperatures in Richmond have disrupted the local climate, leaving Maple trees without the cold winters necessary to protect them from pests such as aphids, scale insects, and borers. After extensive consultation with arborists and city experts, the consensus was to discontinue planting new Maple trees.
What are the new trees? How were they chosen?
Our beautiful views will not go away with the Maple trees! All sidewalk trees (The Black Gum “Wildfire”) will have a medium size canopy appropriate for sidewalk tree wells and bright red autumn color.
The median trees (The Nuttall and Shumard Oaks) will offer a full canopy are appropriate for the median space and wonderful autumn color.
Who owns the street trees?
The City of Richmond owns the street trees. Permission and permits are needed to plant a tree, remove a tree and stump grind. Without permission, the City has the right to remove any trees or plants.
If the City owns the trees, why aren’t they reforesting Monument Avenue?
With the city’s limited funding toward green spaces, emphasis has rightly focused on “heat islands”, neighborhoods with little green space and trees.
Will existing healthy Maple trees be removed?
No! Only trees that are in serious decline or dead will be removed.
How does a resident get a new tree in front of their house?
There are 3 ways to get a tree planted:
- The easiest way to to work with Historic Monument Avenue, who has formed a partnership with the Historic Monument Avenue and Fan District foundation, and make a donation for the trees which is 100% tax deductible. Plans are underway to begin planting in November 2025 and again in the spring of 2026.
- During the months of June-August only, you may apply to the Fan District Association’s Adopt-a-Tree program or the Museum District’s Adopt-a-tree program.
- After applying for a city permit, you may independently hire a landscape company to plant an approved tree with a +2 inch caliper and pay out of pocket. Then please inform HMA of the installation so that they may keep current data.
How will trees be maintained?
Citizens are encouraged to care for the new trees by watering them, and a private citizen has offered to cover the cost of new tree maintenance from a reputable landscaping service.
How can the dead trees or stumps be removed?
Residents may request the removal through www.rva311.com. If they would like to expedite the tree or stump removal, they would be required to pay for it. It is necessary for the city to inspect the tree or stump and a permits and permission are required for removal.
How do I get a permit?
A City permit is free and available at https://rva.gov/public-works/urban-forestry. HMA is available to help neighbors coordinate the permit process and plant trees in the late Fall early Spring.
What are the new trees?
Nyssa sylvatica – Black Gum
To walk among Black Gums is to brush shoulders with history. Fossil records trace the Nyssaceae lineage back to the late Cretaceous period—over 65 million years ago—making it a living relic from the age of dinosaurs.
Quercus shumardii – Shumard Oak
A lovely dark green during most of the year, this plant puts on a vivid display of brilliant red to red-orange fall and winter foliage, providing a dramatic landscape statement. Fall and winter coloration varies from year to year in USDA hardiness zones 8 and 9. During the winter the bare tree provides interesting branching patterns.
Quercus texana – Nuttall Oak
The acorns of the Nutall Oak mature over 2 seasons and attract birds and small mammals and the tree is a larval host plant for many moths and butterflies making it an excellent choice for a specimen or shade tree in a wildlife garden.