Join DOEE staff for a tree canopy tour as you learn about the role DC’s tree canopy plays in our lives and shade tree installations through Riversmart’s tree program. District residents may elect to receive a free shade tree through the RiverSmart program (select “Yes” on order form).
Shade trees improve the health of local streams and waterways by reducing stormwater runoff and erosion.
Trees also:
- Improve air quality by removing small pollutant particulates (i.e. sulfur dioxide, ozone, etc.)
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by taking up carbon dioxide
- Provide habitat for beneficial plants and animals
- Mitigate the urban heat-island effect by shading our homes and streets
- Decrease heating bills up to 15% and decrease cooling bills up to 50%
- Improve health by reducing stress, asthma, and cancers caused by sun exposure
- Provide privacy and noise cancellation