Growth and development are the biggest obstacles to Washington, D.C.'s plans to add more than 10,000 trees every year over the next 25 years.
John D. Harden details the ongoing effort to replant the District of Columbia with trees—an effort frustrated recently by the District's recent rate of development and economic growth.
"As part of a concentrated, six-month effort that began in October, crews planted more than 8,500 trees in an attempt to shroud 40 percent of the city under tree canopy by 2032," writes Harden. "But midway through a years-long tree campaign, the same economic successes that ushered in new residents and transformed neighborhoods across Washington are threatening to stymie the city’s woodland progress."
The District has added about 100,000 trees in the past decade, according to the article, but is running out of space to plant more, even as the District prepares a comprehensive plan update that calls for both new development and new trees.
"Andrew Trueblood, director of the D.C. Office of Planning, acknowledged the contradiction, saying the document serves as a framework for city leaders," reports Harden. "The challenge will be determining how to prioritize its recommendations."
The article includes more context, with testimonies from experts and city officials on the challenges, and the benefits, of the effort to replant trees in the District.
FULL STORY: D.C. planted nearly 80 trees a day to reach a canopy target. It’s running out of space.
Symposium Highlights the Crucial Role of Trees in Combatting Extreme Heat
Experts emphasize that planting and maintaining trees in urban areas is essential for reducing extreme heat, cooling cities, and preventing heat-related illnesses, especially as heatwaves become more frequent and severe.
Urban Trees Are Vital in an Era of Extreme Heat
Urban trees are essential for cooling public spaces, promoting physical activity, and protecting vulnerable populations from extreme heat.
Invasive Beetles Put Oregon Forests at Risk
Two recently discovered borer beetles could lead to a significant loss of tree canopy.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research