Heritage Trees: What Qualifies in Washington, D.C.?
Contributors:
Christopher Huska, P.E. of Huska Consulting, LLC (Civil Engineer) & Carol Allen, CBLP (ISA Arborist)
In Washington, D.C., a heritage tree is a tree that has been designated as such by the city government due to its exceptional size, age, species, cultural or historical significance, rarity, or unique ecological value.
Heritage trees are protected by law and may not be removed or damaged without permission from the relevant authorities. A heritage tree has a diameter of 31.8 inches or greater, thus having a circumference of 100” or more. There are 3 species of trees that may be removed without penalty regardless of size: Norway Maple, Tree of Heaven, and Mulberry. Finally, if a tree is dead or dying then DDOT UFA may consider the tree a hazardous tree and then the tree may be removed with a permit.
If a heritage tree is to be removed or damaged, the property owner must obtain a permit from the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation and may be required to replace the tree with one or more new trees of similar size and species. The protection of heritage trees is important for preserving the city’s urban forest and its cultural and historical heritage.
In Washington, D.C., the fines for cutting down a heritage tree are substantial. The exact amount of the fine depends on the size of the tree and the circumstances surrounding the removal. According to the District of Columbia’s regulations, fines can range from $500 to $100,000 or more. Additionally, individuals or companies who remove a heritage tree without obtaining the proper permits can face penalties including criminal charges, jail time, and community service.
The purpose of these regulations is to protect the city’s urban forest and preserve its natural heritage for future generations. If you’re considering removing a tree in Washington, D.C., I would advise you to consult with local authorities and obtain the necessary permits to ensure compliance with all regulations and avoid any penalties.
We talked to Christopher Huska and Carol Allen a civil engineer and Arborist, for clarification regarding frequently asked questions about Heritage Trees.
What is the difference between special and heritage trees?
A special tree has a diameter at breast height (DBH) between 14 and 31.8 inches. This is equivalent to a circumference at breast height between 44 and 99.9 inches.
What is the difference between Critical and Structural Root zones?
The Structural Root Zone (SRZ) is a circle with a radius in feet offset from the edge of the trunk (not the center of the tree) equal to the DBH in inches divided by two. The Critical Root Zone (CRZ) is a circle with a radius in feet offset from the SRZ equal to the DBH in inches.
So, let’s take a 12” DBH tree as an example. The trunk itself is a circle with a radius of 0.5 feet. The SRZ is thus a circle with a radius of 6.5’. The CRZ is then a circle with a radius of 18.5’.
What can and cannot be done in each zone?
All measurements and identification must be made by an ISA Certified arborist. All work in the CRZ, such as air spading, hand digging or root pruning must be supervised and documented by an ISA arborist.
If the tree in question is to remain and be preserved, then per DDOT UFA practically nothing can or should be done within the SRZ. We could put down some mulch or dress the area up a bit by removing weeds or planting grass and aerating the soil but that’s about it.
We are allowed to perform construction within the CRZ but doing so will usually trigger DDOT UFA to request a Tree Preservation Plan (TPP). We must adhere to the arborist’s directions in the TPP when performing work within the CRZ.
Typically, no more than about 25% of the CRZ should be disturbed in total. Material stockpiles shouldn’t be within the CRZ. Heavy machinery shouldn’t traverse a CRZ without wood chips and/or matting being installed to avoid decompaction. When performing excavation within a CRZ, excavation should typically be done by hand or with an air spade and then any roots encountered that conflict with the work should be neatly cut and pruned. No roots greater than 2” in diameter should ever be cut or pruned. After root pruning, the remaining portion of roots still connected to the tree that are exposed should be wrapped in burlap and kept moist until the excavation is backfilled.