Leesburg Tree Commission Meeting – August 19, 2026

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on August 19, 2026, at 2:15 PM. The meeting covered approval of agenda and minutes, public comments on tree diseases and pests, staff updates on grants and utility tree work, discussion of a new public outreach pamphlet, tree walk signs, canopy strategy, and commissioner reports. Key decisions included plans to create a tree-benefits pamphlet by the Treesburg event in November and a work session to develop it.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was amended to add a discussion item on a potential new Tree Commission pamphlet ("New Pamphlet") under New Business. The amended agenda was approved unanimously.
• The minutes of the June 19, 2026 meeting (previously mislabeled as May 19) were approved with a vote of 6 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 abstention. The date correction was acknowledged.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris (member of the public) reported on beech leaf disease, a new invasive nematode that is destroying mature beech trees in Prince William County. He described symptoms (leaf banding, necrosis) and mentioned potential treatments (Arbortex, phosphite). He noted the disease was first detected in Cleveland in 2012 and reached Prince William State Forest three years ago.
• Mr. Murphy (public comments) reported oak mite bites after canvassing in Woodley Manor. Discussion followed on natural predators and management (e.g., wearing long sleeves).

Staff Comments

• Melissa (staff arborist) reported:
  • The Department of Forestry had $42,000 remaining in a clean water grant cycle; she resubmitted a scaled-down application to fund a fall tree giveaway. A spring giveaway would be pursued in the next grant cycle. If the grant is not awarded, Tree Fund money could be an alternative, but that would require a nonprofit partner.
  • Dominion Energy is conducting pruning work on North King Street and other streets (Marshall, etc.), drawing complaints about debris and poor pruning. The town has no authority to regulate utility tree work under state code.
• Subcommittee on Adopt‑a‑Spot reported on the maintenance schedule: the upper level is stressed, but watering is ongoing. A red maple will be saved via root collar excavation and root pruning. A landscape redesign is planned for mid‑September; daffodil bulbs will be salvaged and offered to the public.

Discussion Items

• Tree Walk Project (Old Business): A sample sign will be brought to the next meeting that includes the tree species, a QR code linking to the Virginia Tech dendrology website, and a footer for the Historic Tree Walk of Leesburg. Staff need landowner approvals (including those for the courthouse and churches). One dead dogwood was noted and will be replaced. QR code durability was discussed; free QR codes may expire, so a budget may be needed.
• Public Outreach Pamphlet (New Business): Alex proposed creating a customized pamphlet highlighting the benefits of trees (property value increase, energy savings) with local factoids. The group supported the idea and agreed to hold a work session (with proper public notice) to brainstorm content, design, and key messages. The goal is to have a draft ready by the Treesburg event in November. Resources from TCI (Tree Care Industry Association) and other sources will be explored.
• Tree Canopy Strategy and Commission Priorities: Alex suggested using GIS to identify low-canopy areas and launch targeted planting campaigns. Staff noted that an inventory of town right‑of‑way planting sites is underway and will be complete by November. The commission also discussed partnering with HOAs, LCPS, and the county for residential plantings. Some members expressed frustration with HOA responsiveness. It was agreed to revisit the canopy mapping at the next meeting and to bring a list of HOAs.
• Treesburg Event Planning: Deferred to the next meeting pending confirmation of grant funding.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Katie proposed pursuing a tree-themed art installation (e.g., a Celtic Tree of Life) through the town's Art Commission and will attend an upcoming Art Commission meeting.
  • John reported that the 134-acre West Park golf course is already being planned for reforestation, which he welcomed as a significant canopy opportunity.

Key Outcomes

• The agenda was amended and approved unanimously.
• The June 19 meeting minutes were approved (6‑0‑1).
• A work session will be scheduled (with public notice) to develop the new tree-benefits pamphlet, aiming for completion by November’s Treesburg event.
• The tree walk sign will be finalized at the next meeting after sample approval and landowner permissions.
• The commission will add a canopy‑analysis discussion to the next meeting’s agenda, including review of staff’s planting-site inventory and HOA outreach opportunities.
• The fall tree giveaway is pending grant award; a backup plan using Tree Fund money will be considered.