Media Contact: John Lisle (DDOT) at (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) District homeowners who cannot afford to remove hazardous trees on their property may now qualify for financial assistance under a new program offered by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). Through the Income Contingent Program for Hazardous Tree Removal, DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) will provide tree removal services free of charge for property owners who meet the criteria.

“With limited income, it can be difficult for homeowners to address hazardous tree situations that threaten property and people,” said John Thomas, DDOT’s Chief Forester. “This law provides the means to get those potentially dangerous issues taken care of.”

A law passed last year by the DC Council authorized UFA to use up to 15% of the District’s Tree Fund for this new program. The Tree Fund is generated through private donations, permitting fees and penalties related to the DC Tree Bill.

For additional information about the Income Contingent Program for Hazardous Tree Removal, please contact UFA at (202) 671-5133.

The mission of the Urban Forestry Administration is to establish a full population of street trees within the District and to ensure that those street trees are maintained in a healthy and safe condition. UFA has 19 certified arborists on staff who are responsible for issuing permits, enforcing regulations and caring for approximately 140,000 trees throughout the city.