Street Trees: The Greenest Part of the Street! DDOT's Urban Forestry Division is keeper of Washington DC's ~165,000 public trees. Among many other benefits, these trees improve our air and water quality, cool our neighborhoods and provide critical habitat for birds and bees. To help the public understand the forest that surrounds them, UFD has created this map of the street trees. Trees are shown as green circles, sized according to their stem diameter. Open tree spaces are displayed as blue circles. Zoom in to an area and click on the trees that interest you; a popup window will emerge providing details such as common and scientific name, size and condition.

DDOT's Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is the primary steward of Washington DC's ~175,000 public trees and has a mission of keeping this resource healthy, safe, & growing. Trees in the city are critical to our well-being. Visit trees.dc.gov for more information.

Dataset estimates location and size of trees in the District of Columbia that are not managed by the Urban Forestry Division (https://opendata.dc.gov/datasets/urban-forestry-street-trees/explore). Trees are modeled using an automated feature extraction process applied to 2022 LiDAR data. All data is an estimate, and intended for general representation purposes. DC 2022 LiDAR was used and processed using the “Extract Trees using Cluster Analysis” script which is included as part of Esri’s 3D Basemap solution. All LiDAR-derived trees within 2 meters of a Urban Forestry Division tree were removed as being duplicates. Tree diameter (DBH, in inches) was estimated for the LiDAR-derived trees from calculated tree height (in feet) based on the equation: DBH = 0.4003*height - 1.9557. This equation was derived from a statistical analysis of a detailed park inventory tree data set and has an R^2 = 0.7418. Extreme outliers were also modified, with any DBH larger than 80 inches being converted to a DBH of 80 inches.

DDOT's Urban Forestry Division (UFD) manages ~180,000 public trees and this data set shows annual changes in species composition and tree health from 2014 to present. Visit trees.dc.gov for more information.

Polygons of Urban Tree Canopy in Washington, DC in 2015. These data represent detailed urban tree canopy cover in Washington, D.C. The data were derived using remote sensing technologies on aerial imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP), flown in July 2015, and aerial imagery and LiDAR data from Sanborn and the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer, flown in April 2015.

Residents and contractors who wish to plant, prune, or remove a tree within the public right of way must first obtain permission from the Department of Transportation and the Urban Forestry Division using the Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS). The data here are points representing each permit which is extracted from Transportation Online Permitting System. The extraction is performed every night under the Transportation Integrated Enterprise System (TIES) framework. For more information visit trees.dc.gov.

This EnviroAtlas dataset addresses the tree buffer along heavily traveled roads. The roads are interstates, arterials, and collectors within the EnviroAtlas community boundary. In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. Sufficient tree bufferage is defined as 25% coverage within the circular moving window with a radius of 14.5m at any given point along the roadway. There are potential negative health affects for those living in a location without a sufficient tree buffer. Those populations are estimated here using dasymetric data calculated for the EnviroAtlas. There are potential negative health effects for those living in a location without a sufficient tree buffer. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

These data represent DC Owned Lots in Washington, DC. Urban tree canopy (UTC) and possible planting area (PPA) metrics have been calculated for DC Owned Lots within the study area. UTC results provided in vector format with attribute fields (area/percent metrics/percent change metrics) for each land cover class and UTC type (UTC, PPA, Unsuitable UTC, UTC Change).

This EnviroAtlas dataset categorizes forest land cover into structural elements (e.g. core, edge, connector, etc.). In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. Water was considered background (value 129) during the analysis to create this dataset, however it has been converted into value 10 to distinguish it from land area background. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

These data represent DC Boundary in Washington, DC. Urban tree canopy (UTC) and possible planting area (PPA) metrics have been calculated for DC Boundary within the study area. UTC results provided in vector format with attribute fields (area/percent metrics/percent change metrics) for each land cover class and UTC type (UTC, PPA, Unsuitable UTC, UTC Change).

This EnviroAtlas dataset addresses the tree buffer along heavily traveled roads. The roads are interstates, arterials, and collectors within the EnviroAtlas community boundary. In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. Sufficient tree bufferage is defined as 25% coverage within the circular moving window with a radius of 14.5m at any given point along the roadway. There are potential negative health effects for those living in a _location without a sufficient tree buffer. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

This EnviroAtlas dataset estimates tree cover along walkable roads. The road width is estimated for each road and percent tree cover is calculated in a 8.5 meter strip beginning at the estimated road edge. Percent tree cover is calculated for each block between road intersections. In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. Tree cover provides valuable benefits to neighborhood residents and walkers by providing shade, improved aesthetics, and outdoor gathering spaces. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

This EnviroAtlas dataset shows the total block group population and the percentage of the block group population that has little access to potential window views of trees at home. Having little potential access to window views of trees is defined as having no trees and forest land cover within 50 meters. The window views are considered "potential" because the procedure does not account for presence or directionality of windows in one's home. In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

Data Source: Open Data DC and American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates

Why This Matters

Urban green spaces provide an array of health benefits, including protection from extreme heat, reducing stress and anxiety, and offering a place to stay physically active.

Parks can serve as a social gathering space in neighborhoods, offering a location for residents to host events, play sports, and connect with their neighbors. This benefit can be particularly beneficial for elderly individuals as they are more likely to suffer from social isolation.

While the District is considered a national leader in park equity today, this has not always been the case. Until 1954, many DC parks and playgrounds were segregated, either prohibiting their use by Black residents or only allowing them to be used during certain hours.

The District Response

The District consistently ranks well nationally for park equity, receiving a higher Trust for Public Land ParkScore®rating than any other city for four consecutive years (2021-2024). Unlike most cities in the US, District residents have access to a similar amount of park space regardless of their neighborhood’s racial demographics.

The District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Division is on track to reach a goal of tree canopy coverage for 40% of the District, promoting better air quality and cooling our neighborhoods. Residents can also request the planting of a new street tree near them.

The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services are modernizing and renovating parks across the District to improve park services, safety, and utilization.

Trees. Contract NCPC 93-02. This document describes the planimetric map production for the 350 tiles located in Washington DC and the surrounding states of MD and VA. All DC GIS data is stored and exported in Maryland State Plane coordinates NAD 83 meters. METADATA CONTENT IS IN PROCESS OF VALIDATION AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

This EnviroAtlas dataset presents environmental benefits of the urban forest in 2975 block groups in the Washington, DC Metro region. Carbon attributes, temperature reduction, pollution removal and value, and runoff effects are calculated for each block group using i-Tree models (www.itreetools.org), local weather data, pollution data, EPA provided city boundary and land cover data, and U.S. Census derived block group boundary data. This dataset was produced by the USDA Forest Service with support from The Davey Tree Expert Company to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

This EnviroAtlas dataset describes the percentage of forested, vegetated, and impervious land within 15- and 50-meters of hydrologically connected streams, rivers, and other water bodies within the EnviroAtlas community area. In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. and In this community, vegetated land is defined as Trees & Forest, Grass & Herbaceous, Woody Wetlands, and Emergent Wetlands. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://res1wwwd-o-tepad-o-tgov.vcapture.xyz/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://res1edgd-o-tepad-o-tgov.vcapture.xyz/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://res1wwwd-o-tepad-o-tgov.vcapture.xyz/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

This EnviroAtlas dataset describes the percentage of a 51-m riparian buffer that is forested. In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. There is a potential for decreased water quality in areas where the riparian buffer is less forested. The displayed line represents the center of the analyzed riparian buffer. The water bodies analyzed include hydrologically connected streams, rivers, connectors, reservoirs, lakes/ponds, ice masses, washes, locks, and rapids within the EnviroAtlas community area. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

This EnviroAtlas dataset describes the percentage of a 15-m riparian buffer that is forested. In this community, tree cover is defined as Trees & Forest, and Woody Wetlands. There is a potential for decreased water quality in areas where the riparian buffer is less forested. The displayed line represents the center of the analyzed riparian buffer. The water bodies analyzed include hydrologically connected streams, rivers, connectors, reservoirs, lakes/ponds, ice masses, washes, locks, and rapids within the EnviroAtlas community area. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

This forest patch layer was created by Dr. Matthew Baker, UMBC; Dr. Michael Alonzo, American University, and Dr. Nancy Sonti, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station using a high-resolution urban tree canopy map derived from 2019 orthoimagery and LiDAR data. To identify forest area, tree canopy over impervious surfaces was first subtracted from the canopy layer, including buildings and roads identified from planimetric data available from the District of Columbia. Morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA; Vogt et al. 2007) was then used to distinguish forest patches from remaining tree canopy using an edge parameter of 15 m based on observed changes in vegetation composition and structure (Baker, unpublished data). MSPA applies the edge parameter to distinguish interiors (i.e. ‘cores’) from surrounding edges, as well as five other morphometric primitives (i.e. branches, bridges, loops, and islets) that reflect how canopy is or is not connected to cores. Patches always include core areas and their surrounding edges, as well as any perforations. Patches are separated into two size classes: Forested Natural Areas are patches with greater core area and thickness than Groves. More detail on methods and analysis can be found in: Alonzo, M., Baker, M. E., Gao, Y., & Shandas, V. (2021). Spatial configuration and time of day impact the magnitude of urban tree canopy cooling. Environmental Research Letters, 16(8), 084028.Vogt P, Riitters K H, Estreguil C, Kozak J, Wade T G and Wickham J D 2007 Mapping spatial patterns with morphological image processing Landsc. Ecol. 22 171–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-006-9013-2