Heritage Tree Relocations in Washington D.C.

Trees in the city are critical to our well-being. Among many other benefits, trees improve our air and water quality, cool our neighborhoods, and provide nurturing habitats for birds, bees, and numerous other wildlife. Large trees provide greater environmental benefits than smaller trees and are protected from unnecessary damage or removal by the Urban Forest Preservation Act and the  Tree Canopy Protection Act  in the District of Columbia. Any tree with a trunk greater than 100” in circumference is called a heritage tree. Heritage trees may only be removed if considered hazardous by a city arborist, otherwise, heritage trees cannot be removed, topped, girdled, or destroyed.

If a heritage tree is within the limits of disturbance of a construction project, then they need to be properly protected throughout construction. However, there are times when the site plans cannot provide adequate protection, and so the only remaining legal option is to move the tree to a safer place on the property. This is a laborious, careful process, but ultimately preserves the environmental benefits and the cultural significance of the heritage tree.

The process typically involves months of planning, root trimming, and tree preparation for transport.

Explore several locations throughout the city where heritage trees have been successfully moved to their new home. Swipe to see before and after relocation imagery below.

For more information about heritage trees, tree permits, and tree protection plans, visit the Urban Forestry Division at  https://trees.dc.gov/