Early last year, we reported on the illegal removal of a heritage tree in Takoma Park, Washington DC – on the 500 block of Cedar St., NW. The tree was a perfectly healthy and magnificent white oak, 135 inches in circumference and over 85 feet high. It was a tree with an expansive canopy, providing benefits for the entire block – stormwater control, shelter for wildlife, and cooling shade for neighboring homes.
The day it was being cut down, nearby property owners – retirees Michael and Marie – were powerless to stop it. They stood by with dozens of neighbors to watch, upset and frustrated that the city was powerless to stop the illegal tree removal due to a loophole in the law at the time.
Since then, and certainly because of reports of illegal tree removals such as this one, the DC Council passed the Urban Forest Preservation Authority Amendment Act (UFPAAA) in June of 2022. This was a huge win in the protection of DC’s trees. The amendment allowed the city to stop construction projects that threaten Special or Heritage Trees and expanded the umbrella of protection for these trees to public lands.
Though the legislation was not passed in time to save their beloved white oak, when the developer decided later that year to cut and run, the two sets of neighbors on either side of the lot came together to see how they could save their neighborhood’s green space and protect it from further development. The empty lot went up for sale, and Michael and Marie, and young family Mark and Kate and their two children, committed to making the investment. They purchased the lot together and spared no time reaching out to Casey Trees to re-tree the area.
Last week, our crew planted 15 new trees on the lot where the large white oak once stood. What had become an empty lot will now grow to be a small forest. Where one mighty oak had fallen, a host of oaks, sweetgums, beech, and magnolias are planted. The neighbors intend to keep the space green and full of trees for kids, dogs, and the greater neighborhood to enjoy.
What should you do if you suspect an illegal tree removal operation in your neighborhood? You can contact the DDOT Urban Forestry Division (UFD). If urgent, you could contact your UFD Arborist as well.
Additionally, anyone can help save DC land from further development through Casey Trees’ resources for land conservation. Through conservation easements, Casey Trees can permanently protect green spaces and prevent DC’s trees from being cut down. To learn more about our land conservation efforts, donate land for conservation, or nominate a green space for protection, visit the land conservation portal on our website. Scroll down to enjoy some photos of the day!
