Leesburg, VA (January 8, 2026) – Beginning this month, the Town will begin a partial inventory of its urban forest to better understand, manage, and plan for the long-term health of Town-owned trees. This effort will focus on approximately 10,000 trees located in Town-owned parks and parcels and is expected to continue through March 2026.

According to the Town’s Urban Forester Melissa Westbrook, inventory is a critical step in improving tree care, reducing risk, and supporting a sustainable urban canopy. 

The project is supported by a $30,000 matching grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.

Certified arborists from Urban Canopy Works and PlanIT Geo, the contractors selected for this project, will conduct the inventory using advanced technology combined with on-site assessments. Residents may see crews working in parks and other Town-owned properties wearing high-visibility vests and using tablets to collect data on tree species, health, and maintenance needs.

The data collected will help guide ongoing tree management efforts and support future updates to the Town’s Urban and Community Forestry Management Plan.

“Urban trees provide vital benefits such as shade, wildlife habitat, improved air and water quality, stormwater management, and increased property values,” Westbrook said. “A comprehensive tree inventory will help Leesburg proactively manage its tree population, promote public safety, reduce potential liabilities, and plan for future canopy expansion.” 

For more information, contact the Town’s Urban Forester at mwestbrook@leesburgva.gov. 

Media Contact:
Leah Kosin
Assistant Public Information Officer
pio@leesburgva.gov
703-771-2781