YardCareDirectory

District of Columbia Tree Removal Permit Requirements

PERMIT LIKELY REQUIRED

DC has one of the most comprehensive urban tree protection programs in the nation. All trees on public space are city property. Private trees are regulated by the Urban Forestry Administration.

Issuing authority: DC Department of Transportation Urban Forestry Administration
Permit Fee
$100–$600 per tree
Processing Time
15–30 business days
Protected Species
4
City Rules Listed
1
Protected Species in DC
Scarlet Oak (state tree equivalent)American ElmWillow OakRed Maple
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in District of Columbia jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Dead trees with arborist certification
  • +Emergency hazard (24-hour notice required)
  • +Trees under 3 inches DBH

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

DC maintains a Heritage Tree list covering 150+ specimen trees. These cannot be removed under any circumstances except imminent structural failure.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Fines for unpermitted removal start at $500 and can reach $15,000 per tree. Civil penalties plus full replacement mitigation required.

Rules by City in District of Columbia

Washington, DC

All trees over 3 inches DBH on private property require permits before removal. Heritage trees cannot be removed without council action. DDOT UFA reviews all applications.

Fee: $100–$600 per tree depending on sizeDC's urban tree program is federally supported and among the most sophisticated in the country.
Tips for District of Columbia Homeowners
  1. In DC, assume every tree on your property requires a permit before any work begins.
  2. Public space trees (in the parking strip between sidewalk and street) are city property regardless of which side of the property line they appear to be on.
  3. The DC Urban Forestry Administration website has an interactive tree map — check your property before calling a contractor.
  4. DC Heritage Trees are effectively permanent. If a Heritage Tree threatens your structure, engage the UFA for a consultation well before any emergency develops.
HOA Consideration: DC condominiums and cooperative housing associations have tree governance through their own boards. Both UFA permits and board approval are typically required.
Find tree services in District of Columbia that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in District of Columbia