Business Details
19 Years
experience
Professional Tree Care & Urban Forestry Services in Richmond
Since 2007, The Tree Stewards has dedicated itself to preserving and enhancing Richmond's urban forest through community-driven initiatives. Our volunteer-based organization collaborates with Urban Forestry to provide expert tree pruning, invasive species removal, and native tree planting across public spaces. We pioneered the Belle Isle Invasive Removal Project and maintain gravel beds nurturing 200 seedlings annually for community transplantation. Despite the 2022 dissolution of our fiscal sponsor, we've maintained operations through resilient volunteer networks and secured partnerships to continue our mission.Our educational programs have trained over 1,000 certified The Tree Stewards who now lead neighborhood tree care efforts. With annual tree giveaways distributing 2,000+ native species to residents, we combine hands-on maintenance with public education to ensure Richmond's urban canopy thrives for future generations. Our executive committee maintains formal advisory relationships with city officials while organizing corporate volunteer groups for large-scale conservation projects.
Services
Tree Pruning
Invasive Plant Removal
Native Tree Planting
Community Education
Gravel Bed Seedling Programs
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We've maintained Richmond's urban forest through volunteer networks since 2007
- Our certified arborists lead invasive species removal on Belle Isle
- Annual 10-week training programs develop community tree care experts
- We distribute 2,000+ native trees annually through our fall giveaway program
- Collaborative partnerships with Urban Forestry ensure professional-grade maintenance
Services
Tree Pruning
Our certified arborists conduct professional tree pruning across Richmond's public spaces in collaboration with Urban Forestry personnel. This twice-weekly service maintains tree health while preventing infrastructure damage. Volunteers receive specialized training to ensure proper pruning techniques that promote long-term tree vitality.
Invasive Removal
Weekly invasive species removal operations on Belle Isle involve volunteer crews eliminating non-native plants that threaten Richmond's biodiversity. This work creates space for native vegetation regrowth while protecting the James River shoreline ecosystem through sustainable land management practices.
Tree Education
Our 10-week certification program trains community members in tree identification, proper planting techniques, and urban forestry best practices. Graduates become certified The Tree Stewards who lead neighborhood tree care initiatives and public education workshops throughout Richmond.
Tree Giveaways
Annual fall tree giveaways distribute 2,000+ native saplings to Richmond residents, promoting urban canopy expansion through strategic planting. This program focuses on species suited to Richmond's climate while educating homeowners about proper tree care and maintenance.
Gravel Beds
Specialized gravel bed facilities nurture 200 native tree seedlings annually, developing robust root systems before transplantation. This method produces healthier trees with greater survival rates when planted in public spaces across Richmond's urban environment.
People
Dave Pohlmann
President
Dave leads The Tree Stewards' post-Enrichmond recovery efforts while overseeing pruning crews and invasive removal operations. With Urban Forestry collaboration experience since 2007, he ensures program continuity through volunteer engagement and strategic partnerships.
Dana Marshall
President
Executive Committee member Dana Marshall directs organizational planning and project coordination with Urban Forestry Division. She maintains advisory relationships to align stewardship activities with citywide tree management objectives through structured volunteer programs.
Norm Brown
Founder
Retired city arborist Norm Brown revived the organization in 2007, establishing its educational framework and community engagement model. His legacy includes developing the certification program that has trained over 1,000 The Tree Stewards for Richmond's urban forest care.
Questions
What services do Richmond The Tree Stewards provide?
We offer tree pruning, invasive species removal, native tree planting, community education programs, and annual tree giveaways to Richmond residents.
How can I become a certified Tree Steward?
Our annual 10-week training program certifies new The Tree Stewards through classroom instruction and hands-on experience with professional arborists.
What is the Belle Isle Project?
Our ongoing invasive species removal initiative on Belle Isle involves weekly volunteer crews restoring native plant ecosystems along the James River.
Do you offer free tree care resources?
Yes, we provide free mulching guidance, tree planting workshops, and distribute 2,000+ native trees annually to Richmond homeowners.
How does the gravel bed program work?
We grow 200 native tree seedlings in specialized gravel beds to develop stronger root systems before fall transplantation across Richmond.
