Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) Emeka Moneme, Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today reminded residents to be kind to their city street trees.

Moneme released a list of the Top 10 things You Can Do (or avoid doing) to help the city’s tree canopy and help your neighborhood street tree.

DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration oversees 144,000 street trees in the District.

TOP 10:

1. If you have a newly planted street tree near your residence, please water it. (10 gallons per week during hot, dry weather).
2. Don’t nail posters/signs or fliers to any tree—this damages trees severely.
3. Don’t lock your bicycle or scooter to a street tree—this can damage the tree.
4. Don’t chain your pet to a tree in or leave him/her tied up in the “tree box” (square or rectangular area around the tree).
5. Maintain your tree box space: pull weeds around your street tree and mulch it if needed.
6. Please don’t plant other species in the tree box (like flowers or bushes). The tree needs room to grow without competition.
7. If you’re receiving trash pickup near your street tree, keep trash cans away from the tree box area. This reduces soil compaction around the tree and helps protect it.
8. Watch your street tree for any changes like alterations in leaf color or reduced leaf canopy. Call (202) 727-1000 and tell the operator you’d like to request a tree inspection if you’re concerned.
9. Don’t prune your street tree yourself or cut any branches. Call (202) 727-1000 for a pruning request if you think your tree needs to be trimmed.
10. Enjoy your tree! It provides shade during the hot summer and helps clean the air.

*Most of the above regulations can be found in the DC Municipal Regulations Chapter 24.

For more information on DDOT’s tree program please visit www.trees.ddot.dc.gov.