THE LEAFLET

The historic neighborhood of Georgetown is celebrated not just for its charming cobblestone streets and elegant federal-style architecture, but also for its lush greenery and majestic, tree-lined avenues. This vibrant landscape reflects a deep-rooted appreciation for nature and trees—a legacy that has been nurtured since the early days of our nation’s capital.

The story of trees in Georgetown is woven into the broader narrative of the District’s development, dating back to Pierre L’Enfant’s original city plan in 1791, which emphasized the importance of green spaces and tree-lined streets. Over the centuries, Georgetown has remained true to this vision, fostering a diverse array of trees that enhance the neighborhood’s beauty, support environmental health, and contribute to the well-being of its residents.

As you stroll through Georgetown, you’ll encounter a variety of trees—oaks, maples, sweetgum, tulip poplars, magnolias, redbuds, and many more. The neighborhood offers a wealth of well-treed destinations to explore. The paths along the Georgetown waterfront and the C&O Canal provide countless opportunities to admire trees during a leisurely bike ride or hike. In Montrose Park and Rose Park, towering trees offer cool shade for a summer picnic or a front-row seat to watch the leaves turn in the fall. And at Dumbarton Oaks, once named one of the ten best gardens in the world by National Geographic, you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of flowering trees in spring and stand in awe of the mighty oaks that give the museum and gardens their name.

What truly sets Georgetown apart is not just its rich history, stunning parks, and picturesque architecture, but also its vibrant community spirit and unwavering dedication to preserving the natural environment. The neighborhood’s trees are far more than just a beautiful backdrop—they’re integral to the community’s identity and quality of life. Landmark trees, such as the tulip poplar in Montrose Park (a contender for DC’s largest tree), are living symbols of Georgetown’s commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage.

A key player in preserving and enhancing Georgetown’s tree canopy is the community group, Trees for Georgetown. Since its founding in 1989, this dedicated organization has planted over 3,000 trees on the residential streets of Georgetown and regularly cares for the neighborhood’s greenery. By partnering with local residents and businesses, watering young trees, performing regular maintenance, and engaging in educational outreach, Trees for Georgetown has cultivated a community-wide commitment to sustaining the area’s green spaces.

To support Georgetown’s trees, consider donating to Trees for Georgetown at give.caseytrees.org/tfg. Casey Trees proudly accepts designated donations on behalf of Trees for Georgetown, with every dollar going directly to plant, care for, and protect the trees that make Georgetown so special.