Frequently Asked Questions about Trees

Here are answers to the questions we are frequently asked.

Q. How can I prevent storm damage to my trees?
A. Recent severe storms have caused many tree limbs to break and trees to fall. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize this risk to your trees:
  - Keep your trees healthy with regular mulching and periodic deep watering during dry periods (refer to the third question, below).
  - Provide plenty of space and protection for the roots.
  - Avoid injuries to the trunk, such as scrapes from the lawn mower.
  - Remove dead branches using proper pruning methods, but use caution since excessive pruning weakens trees.
  - Call in an expert to assess large trees for risk. This will save you the expense and disappointment of removing a healthy tree, and prevent the property damage and personal injury caused by the fall of a weak or unhealthy tree.

Q. Why is Casey Trees focusing so much on street trees?
A. Street trees, which make up about 15 percent of the city's trees, are among our most important trees. As the main buffer between the green spaces in our yards and parks and the harsh conditions presented by traffic, paved streets, and parking lots, healthy street trees are vital to maintaining healthy neighborhoods. The street trees of Washington are also an important part of the identity and legacy of our nation's capital city.

Q. Some of the new trees on my street are not doing so well. What can be done?
A. There are many more trees being planted right now than can be maintained by city staff. You and your neighbors can help by “adopting” the new, young trees by caring for them as follows:
  - During dry periods, when there is little or no rain in a week, slowly water the trees with 5 to 10 gallons of water per week.
  - Remove the weeds from around your trees.
  - Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of each tree, but do not let the mulch touch the trunk.
  - When there are more serious problems that need attention from city foresters, contact the Mayor’s command center at 202-727-1000. Information about the city’s tree program can be found on the DC government web site at: http://ddot.dc.gov/ufa/index.shtm.

Q. I’m not sure what's best for the trees in my yard. Where can I learn more?
A. This web site lists a number of links to related sites containing information to help you identify your trees and offering basic tree-care tips. Click here or use the main menu to be taken to our References and Links page. Casey Trees also offers a series of three training courses as part of our DC Citizen Forester program, click here to learn more. Each course combines classroom lessons and hands-on work with trees. The Citizen Forester program offers a great opportunity to learn to care for the trees in your yard and your neighborhood. The Extension Service at the University of the District of Columbia also provides tree care information to local residents, click here to go their site.

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I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.
   - Willa Cather