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Emergency Tree Removal · Statewide

Emergency Tree Removal in Washington, DC

Emergency Tree Removal in Washington, DC: if a tree is on your house, across power lines or blocking an exit, get everyone out of the affected area first. Locally, derechos and summer storms: The June 2012 derecho brought down trees across the city; summer storms remain the main cause of emergencies.
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Tree problems in Washington, DC that call for emergency tree removal

  1. 1

    Derechos and summer storms

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

  2. 2

    Tropical remnants

    Heavy rain and wind from remnant storms topple trees on saturated soil.

  3. 3

    Aging street canopy

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

What emergency tree removal covers

If a tree is on your house, across power lines or blocking an exit, get everyone out of the affected area first.

How emergency 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.

Call about a tree emergency

Safety first in Washington, DC

Stay well away from any downed wire and anything touching it. Call 911 for injuries or lines down, then the utility.

What you can safely do

  • Get people and pets out of rooms under or near the tree.
  • Shut off gas at the meter if you smell gas, and leave the house.
  • Photograph the scene from a safe distance before anything is moved.
  • Call your insurer early. Many policies want to know before major work.

Leave these to professionals

  • Never go near or touch a tree that's touching a wire. Treat every line as live.
  • Don't try to cut a tree off a roof yourself. The weight can shift without warning.
  • Don't stand under hanging or cracked limbs to look at the damage.
  • Don't let anyone pressure you into signing a contract or assigning insurance benefits at the door.

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

Callery pear
Splits in wind and ice
Willow oak
Signature DC street tree; very large
Tulip poplar
Tall backyard and park tree; often Special-size

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 emergency tree removal in Washington, DC

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

Emergency Tree Removal in Washington, DC: common questions

Do I need a permit for emergency 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 emergency tree removal?

Callery pear: splits in wind and ice Willow oak: signature DC street tree; very large Tulip poplar: tall backyard and park tree; often Special-size

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

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

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

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

Tropical remnants: what does it mean for emergency tree removal in Washington, DC?

Heavy rain and wind from remnant storms topple trees on saturated soil.

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

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

Other tree services in Washington, DC

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

Need emergency 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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