Martinsville Strategic Tree Canopy Plan

This Strategic Tree Canopy Plan provides data and strategies for maintaining and restoring tree canopy in Martinsville, Virginia. This plan is the culmination of a 18-month planning process that included workshops and strategic planning sessions led by the Green Infrastructure Center Inc. (GIC) with City staff, City of Martinsville Tree Board, and community partners.

The City of Martinsville currently has 55% tree canopy coverage city-wide. The City’s goal is to increase tree canopy cover to 56%, a 1% increase, over the next 20 years. Tree plantings will be needed to not only increase tree canopy in new spaces, but also to replace trees lost due to pests, storms, development, invasive vines, or old age.

The City will accomplish this goal by:

1. Expanding City capacity to manage Martinsville’s urban forest.
2. Planting trees to increase tree canopy and to reduce the urban heat islands in areas of need.
3. Increasing public awareness of the importance and proper care of trees.
4. Reducing the presence of invasive species throughout the city.