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SetbackIQ

Trees in Washington, DC

A Special Tree (44 to 99.9 in around, measured at chest height) needs a DDOT permit and fee to remove. A healthy Heritage Tree (100 in or more) can't be removed at all.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Washington before you build.

The details

  • Special Tree: 44 in to just under 100 in in circumference. Removal needs a Special Tree Removal Permit through DDOT's TOPS system and usually a tree fund payment.High confidence
  • Heritage Tree: 100 in or more. A healthy heritage tree can't be removed. DDOT's arborist must find it hazardous first.High confidence
  • Trees under 44 in need no removal permit. Some invasive species (mulberry, Norway maple, ailanthus) still need a permit but carry no mitigation fee.Medium confidence
  • Green Area Ratio: houses in R and RF zones, and single dwelling units, are exempt. GAR applies to apartment, mixed-use and other zones.High confidence

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Common questions

Can I take down a tree on my own lot in Washington?
A Special Tree (44 to 99.9 in around, measured at chest height) needs a DDOT permit and fee to remove. A healthy Heritage Tree (100 in or more) can't be removed at all.

Sources

  1. DC Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016 (D.C. Law 21-133). Checked 2026-10-21
    Special tree means a tree with a circumference of 44 inches or more, but less than 100 inches... Heritage tree means a tree with a circumference of 100 inches or more.
  2. Special Trees vs. Heritage Trees in Washington, DC (Mondaq, 2026). Checked 2026-10-21
    Special Trees are private property trees between 44 inches and 99.9 inches in circumference... Any tree greater than 100 inches in circumference is classified as a Heritage Tree and cannot be removed... The removal of a Special Tree requires a Special Tree …
  3. DOEE, Green Area Ratio exemption status application (rev. 4/20/2022). Checked 2026-10-21
    Any property within the R-, RF-, USN, STE, HE, WR-1, and WR-6 Districts (Subtitle C §601.2) is exempt from GAR... Single dwelling unit (Subtitle A §302.2)... Additions, interior renovations, or both are less than 100 percent of the assessed building value.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.