Adopt-A-Tree Program

After an unexpected hiatus, the Museum District Association's Adopt-a-Tree program has reopened as of June 2025!

We have a very quick turnaround this year for a November-March planting season, so please note that applications are due by June 30th. Applications must be approved in advance of planting, and the MDA will reimburse $150 of the applicant's expenses upon submission of arborist's receipts.

Any resident of the Museum District may apply for a tree. James River Nurseries has developed a unit cost list of purchase and installation for trees on the RVA approved species list. However, you can use any licensed arborist.

Click here for the City's interactive map and species list - you can find your ID number, tree well size, and planting address on the map.

To adopt a tree, you must agree to care for the tree as follows:

  • To ensure your tree's survival, it must be watered at least weekly for the first two years. A watering bag is an efficient tool to achieve proper watering.

  • Mulch should not be piled up against the tree trunk. Keep grass and weeds out of mulch.

  • Do not cultivate or otherwise disturb soil under the tree (do not plant under trees).

  • Keep lawn mowers and string trimmers away from the tree to avoid wounding the trunk.

  • Fertilize only with slow release formulas, if at all.

  • Do not use herbicides that may leach into the soil around the tree.

  • Inspect the tree often to detect problems early.

 

Membership matters.