Trees In the District

Overview

As the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is committed to investing in, maintaining, and expanding the number of healthy native trees across the District. 

Trees are not only a great investment that have been shown to increase property value and improve public health and safety, but they have multiple benefits for achieving our environmental goals.   

Specifically, trees help:

• Absorb and reduce stormwater runoff  
• Improve air quality  
• Save on energy bills  
• Create shade  
• Cool the city/reduce heat  
• Help us clean up the Anacostia River  
• Create a more diverse ecosystem so wildlife can thrive

The Goal 

By 2032, cover 40 percent of the District with a healthy tree canopy.

What is Tree Canopy? 

The urban tree canopy is the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above. 

Sustainable DC estimates that the District and its partners will need to plant at least 10,850 trees every year to cover 40 percent of the District with a healthy tree canopy by 2032.  

In 2023, partners from across the District, including the District Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and Environment, Casey Trees, volunteers, and other community partners and organizations exceeded the goal by planting over 12,777 trees.

The Plan

The District has developed an Urban Tree Canopy Plan that provides details on the tree canopy goal and the actions the District and its partners can take to achieve the canopy goal. 

• 2013 District of Columbia Tree Canopy Plan 

Local Resources and Programs:

• DDOT Urban Forestry Tree Goal
• Sustainable DC
• Tree Canopy - Casey Trees
• District Department of Transportation Urban Forestry Administration
• District Department of Transportation Canopy Keeper Program
• DOEE RiverSmart Homes – Shade Tree Planting
• Tree Care by Season
• Casey Trees Tree Rebate Program (sponsored by the Department of Energy and Environment)
• National Park Service District of Columbia
• American Forests TESA Tree Equity Score