Leesburg Tree Commission Meeting - September 18, 2026

The Leesburg Tree Commission met on September 18, 2026, to discuss routine approvals, staff updates, the tree benefits pamphlet, tree canopy mapping, HOA outreach strategies, and planning for the upcoming Treesburg tree giveaway event. Commissioners also provided updates on recent tree plantings and maintenance.

Consent Calendar

• Call to Order & Roll Call: Present: Alex, John, Tara, Katie, Frank, Bill; Absent: Earl (arrived late).
• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Frank, seconded, passed unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting: Motion, seconded, passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present. Brendan was noted as unable to attend due to another meeting.

Discussion Items

• Staff Updates – Department of Forestry Rewrite: Staff reported that the zoning ordinance currently points to a “black hole” because hyper-technical details were moved to the Design and Construction Manual without syncing publication. An interim compendium is needed. Future presentations will cover street tree requirements (soil volumes, species selection, parking lot requirements).
• Adopt-a-Spot Tree Care: Staff provided an update on the adopt-a-spot planting: most trees are in, though a few dogwoods remain. Bartlett used an air spade to excavate girdling roots around a maple, removing about 30% of the girdling roots. Biochar, compost, sulfur, and liquid kelp were applied. The tree’s prognosis is uncertain. Commissioners discussed weekend watering duties and the need for a longer hose and better fitting. The lockbox code issue was resolved. The flag holder on Pie Island was discussed; commissioners decided to keep it.
• Tree Benefits Pamphlet: The pamphlet draft was reviewed. Commissioners praised its design but suggested edits: replace red maple with a different species due to overplanting in Leesburg; add a QR code and “for more information” contact line (website and public works); replace stock photos with local images (e.g., from Tree Commission events, avoiding identifiable students). The process will involve a revised draft, review by the public information office, then a final commission vote.
• Old Business – Tree Canopy Map: The tree canopy inventory is ongoing; contractors will finish ground inventory in November. The map currently shows only town property and right-of-way trees. Staff displayed a planning tool showing suitability for planting (red = high suitability based on low canopy, heat island effect, income, etc.). Commissioners discussed using this to target HOAs for outreach.
• HOA Selection for Targeted Outreach: Commissioners considered selecting HOAs in high-suitability (red) areas for tree giveaway outreach. Concerns were raised about language barriers and reaching underserved communities. Staff noted bilingual flyers and ability to use public information office translation. Commissioners agreed to individually identify potential neighborhoods and decide at the next meeting. They also discussed using the town’s tree fund to support tree planting on private property via HOAs or 501(c)(3) organizations.
• New Business – Treesburg Event Planning: The event is scheduled for November 7th. Staff has approximately $2,000 available. A list of potential tree species from a Maryland nursery was reviewed. Commissioners recommended avoiding large shade trees (e.g., bald cypress, oaks) and favoring smaller, colorful species that have been popular in past giveaways. They agreed to reduce quantities and focus on species like sweetbay magnolia, fringe tree, witch hazel, and black gum. The final order will be placed after council approval (expected October 6th). Commissioners will assist with setup on November 6th.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Alex: No further comments.
  • John: Noted a story about large fines for illegal tree cutting in California.
  • Earl: Reported that Penn State is closing its Mont Alto forestry program (since 1908) and moving it to another campus; shared a photo of an 1880s oak at the Mont Alto arboretum. Suggested changing the pamphlet’s “Tree Commission Annual Activities” to “Leesburg’s Urban Forestry Activities.”
  • Bill: Reported that two redbud trees (Harper Park and North Star) have died. The Harper Park redbud never leafed out (ambrosia beetles); the North Star redbud is dead but sending up root suckers. Commissioners discussed replanting with a smaller tree. Also noted that a river birch at Catoctin and the Mount Vernon tree are doing well.
  • Frank: Showed a photo of the dead redbud at Heritage High School.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Agenda and minutes (unanimous).
• Directive: Staff to revise the tree benefits pamphlet based on feedback (replace red maple, add QR code, use local images, adjust language) and submit to public information office before final commission vote.
• Directive: Commissioners to identify potential HOA neighborhoods for targeted outreach by next meeting (October 20, 2026).
• Decision: Treesburg event to proceed on November 7th with a reduced selection of small, colorful trees; final order pending council approval.
• Next Steps: Replanting of failed redbuds to be coordinated by Bill and Phil; staff to provide updates on tree canopy inventory and forestry rewrite at the next meeting.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 20, 2026.