Urban Forest Master Plan

Recommendations and Priorities Survey

The survey for the third public meeting, focused on preliminary recommendations and priorities for implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan, is now live. Vote on your top priorities by visiting our survey link(External link).

Vote on Plan Recommendations(External link)

What is the Urban Forest Master Plan project?

The city is in the process of creating its first-ever Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP). The UFMP will guide planning and management of Fairfax’s urban forest over the next 20 years – and we need your help. It will explore topics including tree care, planting needs, staff capacity, budget, invasive species, tree-related policy, volunteer opportunities, and other topics discovered through research, analysis, and community input.

Where are we in the process?

The project includes two phases. Phase 1 was completed in February 2025. Phase 2 began in February 2025 and is estimated to be completed in November 2025. Phase 1 emphasized research, analysis, and community input. We held our first public meeting in July, a second public meeting in October, and the Public Survey was live from September 19 - October 25. The Non-Native Invasive Species Assessment (NNIA)(External link) was completed in April 2025 (read summary document). Phase 2 of the project will include the UFMP Outline, several Draft UFMP Reports, and additional public meetings and engagement opportunities. Tabling events and stakeholder discussions are ongoing. See Phase 2 timeline below.

What is my role?

You are a local expert! By living in the city, you have daily opportunities to observe your neighborhood and the community’s urban forest. Your input is critical to ensure the UFMP responds to the needs of residents.

Help give our community forest a voice. Please use the tools on this page to participate and provide feedback. Sign up to receive updates and notifications for upcoming events and other ways to get involved.

Phase 2 Timeline (February 2025 - November 2025)

Creating the Urban Forest Master Plan is a SPROUT program initiative. SPROUT (Stewarding, Planting, Restoring Our Urban Trees) was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature.