If you have a large tree on your D.C. property, it may be legally protected — and the level of protection depends entirely on which category it falls into. The District draws a clear line between two classifications: Special Trees and Heritage Trees.

Special Trees are private property trees between 44 inches and 99.9 inches in circumference. These are mature, significant trees that the city recognizes as valuable contributors to the urban canopy. They can be removed, but not without oversight. The removal of a Special Tree requires a Special Tree Removal Permit, applied for through DDOT’s Transportation Online Permit System (TOPS). Removal typically comes with mitigation costs, such as contributing to the city’s Tree Fund. However, certain exempt species — Mulberry, Norway Maple, and Ailanthus — do not require mitigation costs for removal, though a permit is still required.

Heritage Trees are in a category of their own. Any tree greater than 100 inches in circumference is classified as a Heritage Tree and cannot be removed. These towering specimens are considered irreplaceable, and D.C. law treats them accordingly. There is no standard removal permit for a healthy Heritage Tree — the protection is essentially absolute. If a Heritage Tree is encountered during planned work, a Special Tree Removal Permit Application is still required so that DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division can assess the situation.

The bottom line: size determines classification, and classification determines your options. Measure the circumference of your tree at chest height before planning any work. Trees under 44 inches in circumference do not require a permit for removal at all, but once you cross that threshold, D.C. law applies.

Many real estate contracts require disclosure of whether any Heritage Trees are present on the property; however, prudent buyers may want to go the extra step of determining whether there are any Special Trees that might require special consideration.

The D.C. Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration is at (202) 671-5133.

Application forms regarding Special and Heritage Trees can be found at:

🌳 Special Tree Removal Permit — Apply via TOPS (tops.ddot.dc.gov)

🌲 Heritage Tree encountered? — Use the same TOPS application and DDOT will review accordingly.