Special Tree Replacement

Trees in D.C. measuring 55 inches or more in circumference are considered “Special Trees” by the Urban Forest Preservation Action of 2002. To remove a Special Tree from public or private property requires a Special Tree Removal Permit issued by the Urban Forestry Administration (UFA).

To offset canopy lost when a Special Tree is removed, individuals are required to:

1. Plant a quantity of saplings whose aggregated circumference equals or exceeds the circumference of the Special Tree(s) to be removed;
2. Pay into the Tree Fund a tree replacement fee of $35 per inch of circumference, or;
3. Perform a combination of both of the above.

Individuals may satisfy the replacement requirement by making a donation in the amount required by law to Casey Trees. In the spring or fall, Casey Trees will plant the number of trees required by the Special Tree Removal Permit and provide the UFA and the donor documentation of the location and species of the replacement trees.

If you are considering removing a Special Tree and would like to make a donation to Casey Trees, please contact our Development Department at 202.349.1894 or at development@caseytrees.org.

Note that donations made to satisfy Special Tree removal obligations are not tax-deductible.