Tree Protection in Washington, DC (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In Washington, D.C., any tree with a trunk circumference of 55 inches or more is a protected 'Special Tree,' and topping, cutting down, or removing one without a Mayor-issued permit is unlawful citywide.
Washington DC Heritage Tree Removal Rules
Significant RestrictionsD.C. Code § 8-651.04(a)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person or nongovernmental entity, without a Special Tree removal permit issued by the Mayor, to top, cut down, remove, girdle, break, or destroy any Special Tree.
Protected Tree Species
The District classifies any tree with a 55-inch or greater trunk circumference as a Special Tree, and bars removal without a Mayor-issued permit unless the tree's species has been designated by regulation as appropriate for removal.
Washington DC Special Tree Species Rules
Significant RestrictionsD.C. Code § 8-651.04(a), (b)(2)
It shall be unlawful for any person or nongovernmental entity, without a Special Tree removal permit issued by the Mayor, to top, cut down, remove, girdle, break, or destroy any Special Tree... The Mayor shall issue a Special Tree removal permit under this section where the applicant has:... (2) Shown that the Special Tree in question is of a species that has been identified, by regulation, as ...
Urban Forest Equity
D.C. Code § 8-651.09 creates a 12-member Urban Forestry Advisory Council charged with coordinating the District's tree canopy goals across agencies. The Mayor must fill three of its community seats with people knowledgeable in environmental justice and equity, and the Council reviews the 5-year urban forest master plan the Mayor must prepare and annually update.
Washington DC Urban Forest Equity Council
Light RestrictionsD.C. Code § 8-651.09(b)(9), (f)
(9) Three community representatives appointed by the Mayor knowledgeable in the fields of urban forestry, public policy, environmental protection, public administration, or environmental justice and equity; ... (f) The purpose of the UFAC shall be to: (1) Ensure coordination between the District agencies responsible for achieving the District's tree canopy goals and partners engaged in programs...