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

(Washington, DC) Michelle L. Pourciau, acting Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), today encouraged District residents to join DDOT in the watering of young trees. Last year, DDOT planted roughly 8,000 trees across the District — many of them young street trees along sidewalks.

During long, hot summers DDOT encourages residents who have young trees along their sidewalks to water trees regularly. DDOT officials and Dan Smith from DDOT partner Casey Trees visited the intersection of 14th and V Streets, NW, today to discuss watering and detail other measures by which residents can help create healthy trees across the District.

“Our tree canopy is one of the most magical things about the nation’s capital,” said Pourciau. “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. Through DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration and our partners like Casey Trees, we’re doing a better job of planting and caring for city trees.”

Pourciau reminded residents who have a young tree near their sidewalk to help out by watering it with 5-10 gallons of water every 7-10 days when it’s not raining. And residents can skip the watering when it rains.

“Here in the District, our increased development has been a mixed blessing. It’s contributed to a flourishing economy and made our city more transit-friendly,” said Pourciau. “But we must keep in mind that while increased development is important, protecting our magnificent trees and helping them thrive and grow is also important.”

For more information about Casey Trees, please visit their website.