The City Arborist is Ray Ulrich. To schedule an appointment please call the Public Works office at 540-463-3154.   

The Public Works Department works with the Tree Board.

Emerald Ash Borer and Power Lines

Ash trees in our city and rural areas outside of Lexington are at the point where many are severely damaged or dead from Emerald Ash Borer. It starts with die-back in the top potions of the tree and continues downwards. The ash trees bark becomes white and flakes off as the tree decomposes. Many of these trees may be on your personal property and can have the potential to damage power lines and personal property. If you can please take a few moments of your time to explore your property, ID any ash trees and their current physical condition as well as possible obstacles they can damage, we can as a community prevent power outages and personal property damage.

Our local power companies such as Dominion Energy and BARC are proactively clearing their powerlines of damaged and infected ash trees. They are here for you to help prevent power outages. If you locate a tree within falling distance of your electric lines, please call them to remove the tree(s) at no cost to you.

Dominion Energy can be reached at: 1-866-366-4357

BARC can be reached at: 1-800-846-2272

If you have any questions or concerns please call your local Arborist at 540-463-3154.

Brushy Hill's Invasive Plant Project

Learn more and how you can help.

Woods Creek Riparian Restoration & Invasive Plant Eradication Plan 

Find out more or how you can help.

Tree Management Plan

A Tree Management Plan was approved in 2003. This plan summarizes the results of a 2002 tree inventory and defines goals and policies to guide the city in tree maintenance, improving the tree resource, and educating citizens about trees. The plan is currently being updated.

Tree Ordinance

A Tree Ordinance was enacted in 2000 and updated in 2006. It provides for the protection of public trees and describes methods for dealing with hazardous trees.

Tree Canopy Study

Check out this tree canopy study of Lexington done in 2022. Look to see how we’re doing with our tree canopy coverage and how you may be able to help it grow!

TreePlotter™ CANOPY App

Check out Lexington City’s current tree canopy coverage, in your specific area, with this link (https://cem.pg-cloud.com/lexingtonva)! From the last tree canopy study done in 2009 we had a 44% UTC. Today the average UTC in Lexington is at 35%. With this knowledge we can see where more trees are needed for our city.  If you live in an area where the coverage is lower, we encourage you to reach out to the city Arborist for a free consult. They will help provide advice for species, placement, planting advice and care of trees on your property. Call 540-463-3154.