Virginia’s Expanding Urban Wood Program
Launched in 2017, the Virginia Urban Wood Program has quickly emerged as one of the leading urban wood programs in the United States. Coordinated by the Virginia Department of Forestry, with guidance provided by the Virginia Urban Wood Group board, the Urban Wood Program provides training and networking opportunities for Virginia municipalities and urban wood businesses. Additionally, the program provides business development and marketing services.
The goal of the Urban Wood Program is to utilize all parts of our urban forest trees to their best use at the end of their biological lives; it is an integral part of the full circle management of Virginia’s urban forest resources.
Funding for the Virginia Urban Wood Program is provided by a grant from the Southern Region of the USDA Forest Service and the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Utilizing Your Tree
Many people contact VDOF to ask how they can use their special tree that has either reached the end of its biological life or needs to be removed for another reason. Here are five quick steps that will assist you as you try to find a use for your tree:
- Take a photo of the tree while standing.
- Hire a tree company to fell the tree.
- Have the tree company remove all of the parts of the tree you are not going to use.
- At the very least, you should retain the trunk of the tree in 8- to 10-foot sections.
- Contact the appropriate service provider (portable sawmiller, wood crafter, etc.). Find a service provider in the Virginia Urban and Small Woodlot Forestry Business Directory.
Additional Resources
Learn more about urban wood utilization partners and businesses.
- Virginia Urban Wood Group
- Urban Wood Network
- Virginia Urban and Small Woodlot Forestry Business Directory
Contact Us
For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.