Along with more funding and new employees for the City’s Sustainability Office, the mayor recently announced new planting efforts with neighborhood equity and beautification in mind.
As with the larger efforts, the new program could “help Richmond work with private organizations to target specific burdens.”

Mayor Stoney, in his remarks, said he was responding to Richmonders who want more shade and pride in their neighborhoods, while at the same time, he expressed adamance that new construction and public spending must also continue at a strong pace.

To that end, the City, recognizing how long it takes to nurture trees and vibrant greenery, is now buying artificial plants as a stopgap measure. In a City-run, Northside warehouse, thousands of plastic items imported from China are assembled and inventoried on its concrete floor, being made ready for immediate deployment.

A DPW spokesperson stated that Richmond residents can expect these new type of adornments to start appearing in public parks, streetscapes “within the week”, though he did not reply when queried about new ‘plantings’ for Monroe Park. He also hinted that the City might partner with Dominion Energy to supply ‘uplighting’ for these new plantings in certain locations.

Richmond residents who do want to make requests for their own neighborhoods and parks should inquire with their Councilperson’s office.

When asked, a Richmond Tree Stewards member opined that while she was thankful for the funding allocations that the Mayor’s Office is making to her group, the Richmond Tree Stewards will only be involved in ‘planting and caring for real, natural trees’.