Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004; Karyn LeBlanc (202) 671-3490

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) this week began work injecting the city’s elm trees with an important protective chemical. DDOT this year tripled its budget for injecting elm trees to help protect them from Dutch elm disease. The effort is run by DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA).

The city’s elm trees are currently growing throughout all eight wards and total about 8,000 trees. During a media briefing on Thursday, DDOT demonstrated its efforts by injecting four healthy elm trees to protect them from Dutch elm disease—and to symbolize ongoing efforts throughout June and July. The effort reflects DDOT’s commitment to protecting the District’s precious tree canopy.

“Our tree canopy is one of the most magical things about the nation’s capital,” said Michelle Pourciau, acting Director of DDOT. “Residents and visitors alike realize that Washington is a real ‘tree city.’ That’s why it’s important for us at DDOT to be proactive about protecting our existing trees and planting new ones.”

Dutch elm disease is spread from infected to healthy trees by root grafts and bark beetles. Infected trees have wilted, yellow foliage on one or more branches. During late summer, Dutch elm disease is more difficult to identify because of color changes associated with natural leaf drop. Residents can call (202) 727-1000 to report a tree they think may have the disease.

As in past years, UFA has brought in assistance from the US Forest Service to help identify Dutch elm disease within the District’s elm tree population. UFA also works in partnership with groups like District-based Casey Trees to help identify, track and protect the city’s tree population. For more information about DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration, please visit: trees.ddot.dc.gov