Tree Stewards provide education to the community regarding the environmental benefits, appreciation, proper planting and care of trees.
The Tree Stewards are Master Gardener Volunteers who have completed the Advanced Master Gardener Tree Steward training under the auspices of Virginia Tech. The Tree Stewards concentrate on educating not only their fellow Master Gardeners, but the larger Loudoun community on tree-related issues. They actively promote the social, economic, and mental health benefits of trees, choosing projects that serve the residents of the county. The brochure, Tree Stewards, includes benefits of trees, tips on tree selection and basic tree care.
Educational Outreach
- Stop Mulch Volcanoes campaign with the brochure on proper mulching. Print a letter size poster for your event: Mulch 3-3-3.
- Remove choking English Ivy from trees campaign.
- Presentations for HOAs and individual property owners on tree selection, planting and care, and the benefits of trees. HOA brief on planting natives
- Gravel Beds
Tree Assessments
It is important for landowners to pay attention to their trees, wooded or forested lots no matter what size. Take a walk around your property to assess your trees with your own eyes. Get to know your trees and make a log (pun intended) to refer to the growth and habitats year after year! Here are some helpful tips:
Understanding what you have is key to understanding their maintenance going forward. Forests can take care of themselves. The leaves fall and provide natural mulch as well as places for native insects to overwinter.
- If you have a single tree that may be ailing, or a tree question, please visit our Help Desk page and send photos/questions in that way.
- If you have forested property, please visit the VA Dept. of Forestry to assist with management of the property. https://dof.virginia.gov/forest-management-health/landowner-assistance/
After your personal assessment if you have unanswered tree issues, VCE Loudoun Master Gardener Tree Stewards can assist landowners within Loudoun County on one-acre lightly forested lots. We will visit your property for a one-hour tree consultation and produce a detailed report on the findings. We assess planting, mulching, pruning, overall tree/property health, tree ID, and invasives.
Tree Assessment (open April through September). Check back early next year! Note visits are only within Loudoun County and we do not produce a property maintenance plan.
Resources to help you with your trees:
- Loudoun County’s Trees and Forests
- US Forest Service Tree Owner’s Manual. Like an owner’s manual that comes with automobiles and appliances, this manual includes a parts list, instructions for installation, tips for troubleshooting common issues, recommended service and more.
- Trees are Good – Find an Arborist. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the professional association of certified arborists, provides the general public with quality tree care information.
- How to prune Trees.
- VCE Publication 426-702: Planting Trees.
