Tree Protection in Washington, DC (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
DC has strong tree protection under the Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002 (DC Law 14-309) and the Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016. Removing any tree with a circumference of 55 inches or more (Special Tree) requires a permit from DDOT's Urban Forestry Division.
Washington DC Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
DC designates trees with a circumference of 100 inches or more as Heritage Trees under the Urban Forest Preservation Act. Heritage Trees have the highest level of protection and generally cannot be removed except when they pose an imminent safety hazard or are dead/dying.
Washington DC Heritage Tree Protections
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
DC requires replacement planting or payment into the DC Tree Fund when protected trees are removed. The number and size of replacement trees depends on the circumference of the removed tree. The Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016 strengthened replacement requirements.
Washington DC Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree Ordinances
The DC Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act (DC Law 21-259) requires a permit to remove any Special Tree (44-100 inch circumference) and prohibits removal of Heritage Trees over 100 inches except for hazard. Fees and replacement are required.
Tree Protection: Tree Ordinances
Heavy RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
DC's Urban Forestry Division and DOEE share a 40% citywide tree canopy goal under the Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act, prioritizing planting in heat-vulnerable Wards 5, 7, and 8 documented at less than 25% canopy.
Urban Forest Equity And Tree Canopy Targets
Some RestrictionsLooking for District of Columbia county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Washington city rules.
Tree Protection in District of Columbia →