DC Special Tree Removal Permit

Navigating DC’s special tree removal laws and regulations can be difficult as a homeowner. We’ve put together the information below (taken from the District Department of Transportation) in order to help you through the tree removal process in DC.

The information below refers to trees on private property. If you are interested in the process of removing a DC street tree please see DC’s Department of Transportation website.

Urban Forest Preservation Act (2002 & 2016 Update) States:

A special permit is required for the removal of all Special Trees (trees between 44” and 99.9” in circumference).
- If the tree is healthy and is not an exempt species, Special Tree Permits require planting replacement saplings or paying a replacement fee to the DC Tree Fund. (See Issuance of Special Tree Removal Permits)
Trees greater than 100” in circumference are considered Heritage Trees and cannot be removed unless hazardous.
Special Tree Fines: Failure to obtain a Special Tree permit or failure to comply with the permit’s conditions comes with a fine of $300 per inch of circumference of the tree(s) in question.

As a company we can help you through the application process for a DC Special Tree Removal Permit; however, we have no say in the decision to grant the permit and ultimately the responsibility for obtaining the permit lies with the homeowner. We will not perform tree removals that do not comply with the Urban Forest Preservation Act regulations.

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Goals of Special Tree Removal Permits:

The goal of this regulation, as stated by the District Department of Transportation, is to provide environmental benefits to the city including:

Mitigating the heat island effect.
Reducing energy used.
Improving air quality.
Reducing water pollution.
Maintaining quieter and more beautiful neighborhood.

Issuance of Special Tree Removal Permits:

One of the requirements below must be met in order to receive a special tree permit.

An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist must declare that the tree is hazardous.
The property owner declares on the permit application to:
(a) Plant saplings whose aggregated circumference are equal to or exceeds the circumference of the trees being removed.
(b) Pay the DC Tree Fund a replacement fee of $55 per inch (of the circumference) for each tree being removed.
(c) Perform a combination of a & b.
Your tree is an exempt species. Exempt species include Acer platanoides (Norway maple), Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), and Morus (Mulberry). Exempt species still require you to obtain a Special Tree Removal Permit but they are exempt from meeting the conditions outlined in #1 & #2.

How to Obtain a Permit:

Obtain an application online, by email, or at the Public Space Permits Office.
Hire an ISA-certified arborist to inspect the tree, complete a report and make a recommendation.
Submit completed application to Public Space Permits Office.
You will be notified of the decision by phone or email.
If approved, you can obtain the permit from the Public Space Permits Office

2016 Urban Forest Preservation Act Update:

The original Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002 defined special trees as any tree with a circumference of 55. The replacement fee was $35 per inch of the circumference and the fine for not complying with the regulations was $100 per inch of circumference.

The 2016 Amendment to the Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002 decreased the size of a special tree to between 44” and 99.9” circumference, defined trees with a circumference of 100 inches or more as a Heritage Tree, and increased the noncompliance fine to $300 per inch of circumference.

Learn More About Tree Removals
Learn More About Tree Stump Removals

Book a meeting with our arborists online or call 703.573.3029 for a special tree removal consultation.

Charles T

April 2, 2024.

I connected with RTEC through a neighbor who was interviewing RTEC for tree work on her yard. Ben was very thorough looking at the trees that I thought needed work. He understood my desire to keep the trees healthy and reduce falling limbs. The price my small job seemed reasonable. The crew came on Friday for the contract I signed on Monday. I was able to speak with the crew leader and give him my perspective on the work needed before I had to leave for another engagement. When I returned, the work was done just as Ben and I had discussed and I discussed with Pedro. The yard was cleared of debris. I was pleased with the result and there was honestly nothing to criticize.

Mandy Neuman

March 28, 2024.

I have used RTEC Treecare both at my home and for a commercial job and I have been very happy with them. They are professional, knowledgable, and great to work with. Communication was a breeze! I highly recommend them!

Nancy Rodgers

March 28, 2024.

RTEC treated my crape myrtles and saved them from disease. My yard looks great since I started using RTEC last year! They are so knowledgeable and helpful!

Todd Friedlander

March 25, 2024.

We had a large (4’) diameter maple tree at the end of our driveway (and neighbor’s driveway) that needed to come down. We worked with RTEC on a removal strategy that wouldn’t impact our neighbors. When we came home that evening the tree and the cleanup was so thorough I joked with my wife that “someone had stolen our tree!” RTEC is masterful in their work, true skilled professionals!

Janet Frank

March 19, 2024.

RTEC Tree has been taking care of our front Zelkova with biostimulant treatments for several years now. We had extensive front hard and landscape construction completed around the Zelkova, and the tree came through beautifully with no shock whatsoever. They recently pruned our Zelkova, and they preserved the shape of the tree. Upon pruning, they noticed a nest of 3 baby squirrels in the crook of two of the limbs. They respected that nest and notified me that they worked around the nest. Thank you, RTEC! They also removed 4 dead or suspect limbs from an oak tree adjoining our back yard. The limbs were hanging over our fence and house. They cleaned up all the debris after carefully lowering the limbs without damage to our patio furniture and grill. They respect the existing new landscaping. RTEC has also removed diseased trees from our property over the years, including an oak tree from the Resource Protection Area (which was not on our property). They worked with Fairfax County to file all paperwork to remove the tree which posed a hazard to the surrounding homes including ours. RTEC has all the equipment to deal with any tree problem and their crews are pleasant to interact with. Ben Gotch has been our consultant and he is tuned into the homeowner. Very detail oriented and thorough. He kept us apprised of our service especially if scheduling modifications needed to be made. RTEC arrived on time and finished the jobs in an efficient manner, cleaning up all the debris. I very highly recommend RTEC for all your tree needs.

Tyler Anbinder

March 6, 2024.

I love RTEC. Ben is especially great. He's the only tree guy who has ever told me not to do tree work, which to me shows honesty compared to the other guys, whose only solution is always to cut the tree down.

Jose Salazar

February 23, 2024.

Excellent service!

Udit Minocha

February 15, 2024.

We've been using RTEC Treecare for about 5 years for pruning, tree removal, and the Bio-stimulant Program for our old maple tree that keeps the house cool in the summer. We really like that they have knowledgeable arborists on staff and know what they're doing.

Linda D.

February 9, 2024.

Have been using for many years. professional and detailed in treatments and pruning.

Carol Aten

February 6, 2024.

We have used RTEC Treecare for over 10 years and have really appreciated their attention to keeping our trees and shrubs in good health. We have a number large trees that have needed various treatments and have been pleased to be able to maintain them in a healthy and attractive condition. I highly recommend them and their arborist Ben Gotch.