Our Diverse Canopy

The District of Columbia is home to a very diverse tree canopy, but it is not self-sustaining.  In order to promote overall canopy health, ensure tree diversity, and match each new planting to a suitable planting site, the city's Urban Forestry Administration chooses the best available tree from a selection of 130 species and cultivars. The following presentation will introduce readers to the trees that make the District of Columbia's canopy unique.Washington, DC stands apart from most other US cities when it comes to trees. Trees were considered so essential that they were included as an integral part of Pierre L'Enfant's original design. The L'Enfant Plan, drafted in 1791, reserved space in the public right-of-way exclusively for trees and DC remains the "City of Trees." Agency Website.