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Dead Tree Removal · Statewide

Dead Tree Removal in Washington, DC

Dead Tree Removal in Washington, DC: a dead tree should be removed if it could hit anything when it falls, such as a house, driveway, road, fence or play area. Locally, aging street canopy: Older street trees in tight boxes have restricted roots and decline.
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Tree problems in Washington, DC that call for dead tree removal

  1. 1

    Aging street canopy

    Older street trees in tight boxes have restricted roots and decline.

  2. 2

    Emerald ash borer and lanternfly

    Ash are declining; spotted lanternfly has reached the region.

  3. 3

    Derechos and summer storms

    The June 2012 derecho brought down trees across the city; summer storms remain the main cause of emergencies.

What dead tree removal covers

A dead tree should be removed if it could hit anything when it falls, such as a house, driveway, road, fence or play area.

How dead tree removal works, step by step · part of tree removal

Describe the tree and what it's near, and you'll reach an independent provider serving Washington, DC.

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Trees in Washington, DC that most often need dead tree removal

Willow oak
Signature DC street tree; very large
Tulip poplar
Tall backyard and park tree; often Special-size
Red maple
Common street tree

Timing in District of Columbia

Summer
Thunderstorm and derecho season
Aug–Oct
Tropical remnants
Winter
Dormant-season pruning and planned removals

Tree rules and permits in Washington, DC

  • Special Trees (44 to 99.9 inches in circumference) require a DDOT Special Tree Removal Permit, applied for through the Transportation Online Permit System (TOPS).
  • For non-hazardous Special Trees, the owner contributes $55 per inch of circumference to the Tree Fund (or plants replacements).
  • Heritage Trees (100 inches or more) can't be removed unless hazardous.
  • Violations carry fines of not less than $300 per inch of circumference. Street trees are managed by DDOT's Urban Forestry Division and need a separate permit.

Sources (checked 2026-10-01)

Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.

What affects the price of dead tree removal in Washington, DC

The usual drivers are size, access, what's under the tree and cleanup; see the full list for dead tree removal.

Dead Tree Removal in Washington, DC: common questions

Do I need a permit for dead Tree Removal in Washington, DC?

Special Trees (44 to 99.9 inches in circumference) require a DDOT Special Tree Removal Permit, applied for through the Transportation Online Permit System (TOPS). For non-hazardous Special Trees, the owner contributes $55 per inch of circumference to the Tree Fund (or plants replacements).

Which trees in Washington, DC most often need dead tree removal?

Willow oak: signature DC street tree; very large Tulip poplar: tall backyard and park tree; often Special-size Red maple: common street tree

When is the best time for dead tree removal in Washington, DC?

Summer: Thunderstorm and derecho season Aug–Oct: Tropical remnants

Aging street canopy: what does it mean for dead tree removal in Washington, DC?

Older street trees in tight boxes have restricted roots and decline.

Emerald ash borer and lanternfly: what does it mean for dead tree removal in Washington, DC?

Ash are declining; spotted lanternfly has reached the region.

Derechos and summer storms: what does it mean for dead tree removal in Washington, DC?

The June 2012 derecho brought down trees across the city; summer storms remain the main cause of emergencies.

Other tree services in Washington, DC

More about Washington, DC: tree removal in Washington, DC · all locations

Need dead tree removal in Washington, DC?

Call to reach an independent tree-service provider that serves Washington, DC. Calling is free and you decide whether to hire anyone.

Call for tree service

By calling, you agree that your call may be recorded and routed to an independent local tree-service provider, who may call or text you back about your request. Calling is free and does not obligate you to hire anyone. See our Privacy Policy.

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