Heritage Trees: What Qualifies in Washington, D.C.?
Updated Aug 2026
What Qualifies as a Heritage Tree in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., a Heritage Tree is defined by its size. A tree qualifies as a Heritage Tree when its trunk measures 100 inches or more in circumference, measured 4.5 feet above the ground. This is equal to a diameter at breast height, or DBH, of approximately 31.8 inches or greater. A tree does not need to be individually designated because of its age, species, rarity, historical significance, or ecological value to qualify as a Heritage Tree. (D.C. Code §§ 8-651.02(1) and 8-651.02(3A))
Heritage Trees are protected by law and may not be topped, cut down, removed, girdled, broken, or destroyed without a permit. DDOT currently identifies Norway maple, Tree of Heaven, and mulberry species as exempt species. However, a permit is still required before removing a Special Tree or Heritage Tree of one of these species. (DDOT Tree Standards and Specifications; D.C. Code § 8-651.04a(a) and § 8-651.04a(b)(1)(B))
A certified arborist may determine that a tree is hazardous if it is defective, diseased, dying, or dead; poses a high risk of failure that could injure people or damage property; or is causing damage that cannot reasonably be corrected without removing the tree. DDOT retains final authority over whether the tree qualifies as hazardous. A Hazardous Heritage Tree may be removed after the required permit is issued. (D.C. Code §§ 8-651.02(3) and 8-651.04a(b)(1)(A))
If a Heritage Tree is proposed for removal, the property owner must obtain a Heritage Tree removal permit administered by the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Division. A healthy Heritage Tree generally cannot be removed simply by paying a replacement fee. Removal may be approved if the tree is hazardous, belongs to a species identified as appropriate for removal, or can be relocated and replanted elsewhere in the District without significant harm. (D.C. Code § 8-651.04a)
In Washington, D.C., the penalties for unlawfully removing a Heritage Tree are substantial. Removing or destroying a Heritage Tree without the required permit, or failing to follow the conditions of a permit, is subject to a statutory minimum fine of $300 for every inch of the tree’s circumference. For example, unlawfully removing a Heritage Tree with a circumference of 100 inches would carry a minimum fine of $30,000. (D.C. Code § 8-651.04a(c))
These regulations help protect mature trees and preserve Washington, D.C.’s urban forest for future generations. Property owners considering tree removal or construction near a protected tree should contact DDOT and consult a qualified arborist before beginning work.
What is the difference between special and heritage trees?
A Special Tree has a trunk circumference of at least 40 inches but less than 100 inches, measured 4.5 feet above the ground. This is equivalent to a diameter at breast height, or DBH, of approximately 12.7 inches to less than 31.8 inches.
A Heritage Tree has a trunk circumference of 100 inches or more, equivalent to a DBH of approximately 31.8 inches or greater. Heritage Trees receive stronger protection and generally cannot be removed simply by paying into the District’s Tree Fund. (D.C. Code §§ 8-651.02(3A) and 8-651.02(5))
What is the difference between Critical and Structural Root zones?
The Structural Root Zone, or SRZ, is the area closest to the tree trunk and contains roots that are especially important to the tree’s stability. DDOT’s tree-preservation mapping estimates the SRZ using a radius of 0.5 feet for every inch of DBH.
The Critical Root Zone, or CRZ, is the larger area surrounding the tree that is important to its overall health and survival. D.C. law defines the minimum CRZ using a radius of 1.5 feet for every inch of DBH. (D.C. Code § 8-651.02(1A))
Both zones are measured as radii from the center of the tree trunk. The SRZ and CRZ dimensions are not added together or measured as consecutive offsets.
For example, a tree with a DBH of 12 inches would have:
An estimated SRZ radius of 6 feet
A minimum CRZ radius of 18 feet
The tree trunk itself has a radius of 6 inches, but that trunk radius is not added to the SRZ or CRZ calculations.
What can and cannot be done in each zone?
Construction activity should be kept outside the Structural Root Zone and Critical Root Zone whenever possible. Excavation, grading, trenching, foundations, paving, soil compaction, material storage, and construction traffic can damage a tree’s roots and affect its health or structural stability.
Because the Structural Root Zone contains roots that are especially important to the tree’s stability, work within this area should generally be avoided. Any proposed disturbance within the SRZ must be carefully evaluated and addressed through the tree-preservation review process.
Some construction may be permitted within the Critical Root Zone, depending on the condition of the tree, the proposed work, and the amount and location of the disturbance. If DDOT determines that permitted work could harm a Special Tree or Heritage Tree, the property owner may be required to submit a Tree Preservation Plan, or TPP, for approval. The approved TPP identifies the affected trees, proposed construction and staging areas, and the measures required to protect the trees during construction. (D.C. Code § 8-651.04b)
DDOT generally requires an Advanced Tree Preservation Plan when construction affects more than 25 percent of a tree’s Critical Root Zone or any portion of its Structural Root Zone. The 25 percent threshold determines the level of review required; it does not mean that every project is automatically permitted to disturb 25 percent of the CRZ.
Depending on the project, required protection measures may include tree-protection fencing, wood chips or protective matting, restricted equipment access, hand or air-spade excavation, root pruning, and monitoring by a qualified arborist. Construction materials, excavated soil, debris, and heavy equipment should not be stored or operated within protected root areas unless specifically permitted by the approved TPP.
Roots encountered during excavation should not be torn or damaged by construction equipment. Any necessary root pruning should follow the approved TPP and the directions of the project arborist and DDOT. DDOT instructs contractors to contact its Urban Forestry Division before pruning roots that are 2 inches or greater in diameter. This does not mean that roots larger than 2 inches can never be cut, but they require additional review.
The exact limits on construction, excavation, root pruning, and protection of exposed roots should be established for each project through the approved Tree Preservation Plan. All work should follow the plan and any conditions required by DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division.