Harrisonburg implements a second life for fallen trees
The sound of a chainsaw and the crash of a falling tree usually signals an end, but in Harrisonburg, Va., it marks the beginning of a second life for local trees.
Whether due to age, storm damage or pest infestation, Harrisonburg has created a way for dying trees to be diverted from landfills and given new purpose through the city’s innovative Urban Wood Program. Launched in response to an ecological crisis in 2017, the initiative has evolved into a model of sustainability, resource management and community engagement.
The Urban Wood Program was created in response to a severe infestation of the emerald ash borer in 2017. This invasive beetle, which originated in Asia, has decimated ash tree populations across the United States. In Harrisonburg alone, ash trees accounted for approximately 14% of the city’s park system, making the impact of the infestation significant.
Faced with the sudden need to remove over 1,500 ash trees on city property, local authorities sought a sustainable solution for handling the large volume of wood debris. Jeremy Harold, green space manager and a key figure in Harrisonburg’s urban forestry efforts, explained what happened next.
“We needed a solution to manage all the woody resources. Since 2017, that solution it has grown to include a variety of uses for the removed wood, all aimed at diverting it from landfills.”
The desire to engage in good resource management coincided with a broader movement within Virginia’s Department of Forestry to address the issue of wasted urban wood. In a conversation with Joe Lehnen, urban wood coordinator for the Virginia Department of Forestry, he shared that the department had long recognized a problem: Too many good trees were being cut down only to be turned into firewood or discarded.
“The resource was not going to the best places,” Lehnen explained. “We wanted to try something different, and the Urban Wood Program was our way to make sure these trees were utilized in a more meaningful way.”
Since its inception, the Urban Wood Program has grown beyond its initial focus of simply managing ash tree removal. It now involves a broader range of tree species and engages with multiple community stakeholders, including local businesses, universities and even high schools.
Lehnen highlighted the growth. “We continue to expand to other municipalities and universities, as well as high school outreach. The wood economy has really grown with new local businesses participating, and the tree cycle goes right back into the hometown.”
One of the key evolutions of the program has been its emphasis on sustainability. By keeping the wood local, the program reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports Harrisonburg consumers and artisans.
“The carbon possibilities are exciting,” Lehnen noted. “Selling it locally really supports the community and helps manage our overall carbon footprint in a positive way.”
The program also prioritizes community outreach and education. As awareness of the Urban Wood Program has spread, residents have shown enthusiasm for participating. “People want to know how they can be part of it,” Lehnen said.
Initially, there was some concern within the community that the program might be removing living, healthy trees. In some situations this is the case, since tree removal can happen for city development purposes. However, to address the concerns and maintain a balanced urban canopy, the program is diligent about replanting efforts, often through grant programs.
The Urban Wood Program’s journey starts with the tree removal process, which is carried out by the city’s forestry crew. The decision to remove a tree is not made lightly; each one is assessed to determine its condition and the reasons for removal. Trees affected by pests like the emerald ash borer or compromised by storm damage are prioritized.
Once a tree is removed, it is processed and evaluated for the best possible use. Smaller branches and less valuable parts of the tree are typically turned into mulch, which is then used in city parks and landscaping projects. Larger, high-quality logs are given a more creative second life: They can be milled into lumber for furniture, artwork or construction materials.
In some cases, the wood is even transformed into firewood, providing a sustainable heating option for local residents.
According to Harold, the program’s versatility has been one of its strongest points.
“We’ve diverted countless trees from the landfill by finding different uses for the wood,” he explained. “The wood goes on to serve various purposes, from mulch to handcrafted furniture, and each piece tells a story of its origin.”
The success of the Urban Wood Program has not only diverted waste from landfills but also fostered a stronger connection between residents and their environment. By keeping the wood within the local community, it has contributed to the growth of a small but thriving wood economy.
Artisans, furniture makers, and local businesses have all found value in the repurposed wood, creating unique products that showcase the natural beauty of the city’s urban forest.
Lehnen noted the broader environmental benefits of the program as well.
“We are also excited about the carbon possibilities and sustainability in the overall carbon footprint,” he said.
By utilizing locally sourced wood, the program reduces the emissions that would otherwise result from transporting wood products from distant locations. Additionally, the replanting initiatives help maintain and even expand the city’s tree canopy, contributing to climate resilience and reducing urban heat islands.
While tracking exact numbers can be challenging, the overall impact of the program has been positive.
“We can give estimates, but it’s hard to get a handle on exact numbers across the state,” Lehnen admitted. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm from other municipalities and the community’s embrace of the program speak volumes about its success.
Harrisonburg’s Urban Wood Program is more than just a response to a pest infestation: It is a model for urban sustainability and resource management. By giving a second life to trees that would otherwise be discarded, the program demonstrates a commitment to zero waste and a circular economy. The idea has evolved from a practical solution to a pressing problem into a celebrated community initiative that supports local businesses, reduces carbon emissions and enhances the city’s green spaces.
A worker cuts a log down to size during the milling process. (Photo provided by Harrisonburg, Va.) 
Pictured is a rustic table created from a Harrisonburg tree. (Photo provided by Harrisonburg, Va.) Jeremy Harold, green space manager, in Harrisonburg, Va., poses at a wooden planter on West Water Street. The city’s Urban Wood Program diverts waste wood from landfills and gives it new purposes. (Photo provided by Harrisonburg, Va.) Large logs are milled into lumber before starting their second life as furniture, artwork or construction materials. (Photo provided by Harrisonburg, Va.) Some of the lumber diverted from local landfills has been used to create bee hotels. (Photo provided by Harrisonburg, Va.)
