Leesburg Tree Commission Meeting - July 22, 2026

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on July 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Commissioners present: John Groupis, Frank Schneid, Katie Acton, Phil Marshall, Alexander, Fred, Pearl, Brad. Tara Holt was absent. The meeting covered approval of prior records, public comments, proposed redesign of the Mom's Apple Pie garden, development of a historic tree walk mobile app, public outreach strategies, a new state ordinance on urban tree canopy, and other commissioner initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion made, seconded, and unanimously approved (6-0, with Tara absent).
• Approval of Minutes (June 23, 2026): Motion made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brendan Burke (candidate for Leesburg Town Council) introduced himself. He is a retired 21-year Navy veteran and federal employee, living in Low Crest. He expressed love for Leesburg and noted he has been visiting boards and commissions in preparation for his campaign. Commissioners asked about his qualifications and his neighborhood. No action was taken.

Discussion Items

• Adopter Spot (Mom's Apple Pie Garden) Redesign: Staff (Melissa) presented a proposed plant palette of native cultivars to replace the current garden. The existing red maple tree in the middle is unhealthy and may need removal. Commissioners discussed maintenance responsibilities, soil amendments, and potential replacement trees (e.g., a "Leesburg tree" or red cedar). No decision was made; the matter was deferred to the September meeting. Commissioners were asked to provide design feedback to staff beforehand.
• Tree Walk App Development: Commissioner Earl reported that QR codes for the historic tree walk can be developed using Virginia Tech Dendrology resources. One dogwood tree on the tour is dead and needs removal/replacement. He will bring revised stake and grave plate for review at the next meeting. The brochure reprint is pending vendor availability. Research with the historic library for app content is ongoing. Missing trees in the loop (numbers 17 and 21) were discussed; property owners have invested in signs, so alternatives like black locust and black walnut are being considered.
• Public Outreach Report: Commissioner Frank shared his experience at an open house where he promoted tree awareness. He found widespread ignorance about tree benefits. He proposed a regular "tip of the week" or monthly tip via the town's social media and hoped to work with staffer Leah. Commissioners supported the idea and noted that the town's website and existing pamphlets could be leveraged. No formal vote.
• State Ordinance Survey on Forest Land and Urban Tree Canopy Conservation: Staff (Melissa) informed the commission that the Virginia Department of Forestry is soliciting feedback on enabling legislation for tree canopy conservation. The town will use this to update its zoning ordinance. Discussion highlighted that the legislation does not mandate preservation, placing the burden on the town to propose alternatives to developers who clear sites. The ordinance allows a tree fund and multipliers for preserving existing canopy. No commission action was taken.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Phil proposed a school engagement program (e.g., "fourth grade foresters") to teach children about tree care. He noted that trees planted at Harper Park and North Star High School have died, and he is coordinating with LCPS maintenance.
  • Alex proposed using GIS canopy maps to identify planting opportunities, especially in low-canopy areas like Plaza Street corridor and near the airport. He noted tree equity concerns and suggested the commission "chip away" at opportunities.
  • Frank mentioned a 10-year canopy report from 2015 is due for 2025 and suggested media coverage. He also reported a dead dogwood at 210 North K Street (a street tree) and proposed replacing it with a native oak due to the property's historic significance.

Key Outcomes

• Adopter Spot redesign deferred to September 2026 meeting; staff to prepare bid package for fall work.
• Tree Walk App: Earl to present revised materials at next meeting; replacement of dead dogwood tree to be pursued.
• Public outreach: Frank to connect with Leah on implementing a recurring tree tip feature; no formal approval needed.
• State ordinance survey: No commission action; noted as informational.
• Next meeting: August 18, 2026 (regularly scheduled, no summer break).
• Motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved.