Sustainable management policies take into account the fact that trees change over time, and require different care at different points in the life cycle. Proactive forest management practices cost less in the long run, and ensure tree health and longevity. 

Several innovative new programs have made urban forest management in Virginia Beach more sustainable.

Tree Buddies​

​​The Tree Buddies program was developed by the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation to support the need for tree planting or replacement on public property. Through donations, citizens, businesses, and organizations may purchase trees in the name of their business or organization, to commemorate special events or to honor loved ones. At the end of FY-2012, 54 trees, valued at $16,070, have been planted throughout the park system through this program.

An Urban Reforestation fund has been created to provide an opportunity for citizens and community organizations to contribute money addressing the general loss of trees  in the community.  Donations are used to replace trees that have been lost throughout the city due to disease, storms, or urban development. 

Tree Pruning Practices

Mastering basic tree pruning practices is another new program. After mastering pruning skills, the volunteers are granted permission to work within city rights-of-way to prune young trees in their neighborhoods. 

Integrated Site Design Guide
​Integrated Site Design Guide that includes landscape specifications for site development. Over time, this guide will provide higher city-wide standards for sustainable tree management, and move the city toward a more comprehensive green infrastructure plan. 

Hansen 8 Software
​The tree management has been enhanced significantly with this software, which can track maintenance requirements, customer requests, and vacant former tree locations, as well as costs related to tree management. 
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