UFA prunes the District's street trees to maintain the trees’ overall health, form, and safety for the area around the tree. UFA also prunes to give clearance over sidewalks and roadways, followed by minor roadways, alleys (to allow passage for sanitation and emergency vehicles), and pedestrian walkways. UFA inspects any street trees that may have fallen on homes or vehicles and will clear them in a timely manner.
Private property trees that fall into public space are the owner's responsibility to clear within 24 hours.
Routine Tree Removal Inspection: 6 - 8 weeks
Routine Tree Removal: Up to 9 months
UFA removes trees that are dead, dying/diseased, or unsafe (those that have structural and/or dangerous root defects which cannot be corrected).
UFA removes trees in a three part process:
- Removal of the top or the branches of the tree known as the "crown".
- Removal of the trunk or the main stem of the tree.
- Removal of the stump on a separate visit after the tree has been cut down. If a stump is not removed in a timely manner, residents are encouraged to call 311.
UFA follows this removal sequence because of the different equipment needed for each part of the tree.
Elm Tree Services for Dutch Elm Disease
Winter pruning - April, annually
Injections - May, annually
Female Ginkgo treatement to mitigate odor
The public space trees that are marked with a yellow dot are female Ginkgo biloba trees. The Urban Forestry Administration treats these trees with Pincher PGR to inhibit the fruit development. In the past the Urban Forestry Administration has sprayed these trees to provide the same effect. By injecting the trees, we reduce the amount of water used and that allows us to directly apply the chemical to the internal parts of the tree.