A mature tree has far greater benefits than a sapling for stormwater capture, carbon sequestration, cooling and other ecosystem services. NRV Tree Rescuers is taking action to protect our local trees from invasive, climbing vines that cause tree decline and eventual death.
You can help in this important effort by rescuing trees on your own property and/or alerting other landowners to the problem.
Interested in becoming a Tree Rescuer?
Watch a video from the Northern Virginia Tree Rescuers that explains the program
– 2 minute intro or 8 minute intro
View our NRV Tree Rescuers volunteer handbook
The death of this tree in Blacksburg was likely caused by the mass of English ivy covering it and there are many trees in this same situation. Removing the invasive vines will prolong the life of the trees and help keep the vines from spreading to other areas.
The trees near this fallen one can probably be saved if action is taken soon enough.
Ready to volunteer?
Sign up for sections to survey on the Section Tracking Spreadsheet
We’re also hosting Third Friday workdays (3:00-5:00 pm) to remove invasive vines from trees on Town of Blacksburg land. Email us at NRVTreeRescuers@gmail.com to be notified of Third Friday workday locations.
Landowners: Rescue trees on your own property
-Invasive vines like English Ivy and
Bittersweet can strangle and
smother trees. They also add
significant weight, which can cause
mature trees to fall down in storms
and strong winds.
-Once invasive vines are in the tree
tops, they can block necessary
sunlight from the trees’ leaves or
needles. These vines also compete
with the tree for nutrients and
water.
-Thick vine growth can also harm a
tree by holding moisture next to the
bark, causing or accelerating rot.
Learn to identify invasive vines.
Can’t do the work yourself? NRV Tree Rescuers has compiled some local resources (listing here is for information only and does not imply endorsement).
Want someone to visit to help identify potentially invasive vines? Email us for assistance at NRVTreeRescuers@gmail.com.
View our Fall 2023 Relaunch Presentation
View the recording of our NRV Tree Rescuers kickoff presentation here
Additional Resources
Returning volunteers? You can print more materials
Volunteer Field Notes Form
Flyer to provide to homeowners
NRV Tree Rescuers is a collaborative project of Sustainable Blacksburg and the Town of Blacksburg Office of Sustainability.