Trees and Construction

Mission

As DDOT is responsible for permitting, planning, and maintaining the District's street tree population, DDOT shall review transportation related construction plans to ensure the provision of adequate rights-of-way for tree planting, and enforce proper street tree protection, especially during construction.

Procedures & Services

Residents and contractors must submit an application for a public space tree permit through DDOT's Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS).

• Public Space Tree Permit

Street Tree Protection 

During construction, responsible parties must protect the Critical Root Zone (CRZ) by erecting fencing which protects the tree and root system by keeping out all detrimental activity. If construction cannot be avoided within the CRZ, the tree must be protected with Tree Protection Fencing and all other unpaved areas must be covered with a 10-inch protective layer of wood chips.

Construction Guidelines for Tree Protection

See Related

• Page:
  Trees and Construction (Compendium)
• Page:
  Trees (Compendium)
• Page:
  Special Trees (Compendium)
• Page:
  Ginkgo Trees (Compendium)