Back in Oct. ’07 I thought there was a special place in hell for those who tag trees. And now I realize this is the same exact tree from 11th St, NW in Columbia Heights so at some point somebody was able to remove the graffiti. How do remove graffiti from a tree without killing the tree? Also why do you think this particular tree keeps getting tagged. If they ever catch the person/persons who do this, there should be a minimum 6 months in jail no parole. Is that too harsh? Not harsh enough?
This is located just off barrack’s row (8th St, SE). Is this the city’s responsibility to trim? If so which department?
“Dear PoP,
Do you know if there is anything that can be done regarding overhanging branches from a private yard? I’m thinking specifically of the large overgrown tree on the corner of 11th and Columbia Rd, NW which interferes with the bus stop, as well as pedestrian traffic, especially in bad weather. Since it’s private property, is there anything the city, or neighbors can do?”
This is an interesting question. I believe if the branches overhang a neighbors property the neighbor is allowed to trim back the branches from their property line. But this is different because it seems the branches are overhanging public property. I wonder if WMATA would be in charge of trimming it back if it interferes with the bus stop? Could the city trim it back or have the owner trim it back?
Any suggestions?
Thanks to a reader for sending in a sad update from Monday’s truck crash into a tree on Connecticut Ave just north of R St, NW:
“So here’s the aftermath of the tree accident on Conn Ave Monday – what was a pretty large tree has been completely removed. RIP sidewalk shade.”
It’s actually a good point. I wonder how hot next summer is gonna feel with all the trees we lost. I wonder how many trees get lost in a normal season and how many we lost this season?
Summer storms, overzealous businesses and now trucks. It’s been a tough summer for the city’s trees.
A reader writes:
“Passed this on my way to work this morning, and thought I’d send it in – a delivery truck hit a tree on the sidewalk of Conn Ave, just north of R street (around 8:30- 9 AM or so) – tree was uprooted and basically blocking the sidewalk – nothing too dramatic, but made for a more interesting commute as we had to inch around the foliage to get past.”
“Dear PoP,
I noticed this week that the tree box, sans tree has reappeared in front of Haydee’s in Mt. Pleasant. There was a lot of discussion about this back when you originally posted on the 8th, so I was wondering if the owner was forced to put it back?”
City Paper’s Lydia DePillis reports:
“The tree box has been replaced, according to DDOT, at Haydee’s expense (no word of fines). But the new tree won’t be planted for several months, since new saplings tend to perish in the summer. And since her sidewalk cafe application has been withdrawn, it’s likely that sidewalk will stay barren until then.”
Thanks to all the readers who sent in photos of the devastation. It painful to see all these beautiful trees knocked down. It makes me appreciate the programs supported by Casey Trees that much more.
Mt. Pleasant
More photos and a press release from DDOT after the jump. (more…)
“Dear PoP,
You should check out Haydee’s Restaurant’s decision to go into the tree removal business. Personally, I’ve thought that some of the recent controversies around their application for a nightclub license were overblown, but if the facts are accurate, this is a really arrogant and selfish action…”
From the Mt. Pleasant forum:
“Not sure if you are aware of this or not but Haydee’s cut down the tree in front of her business last Saturday. As of June 18th I had had two conversations with telling her that she could not do this w/o a permit that in most likelihood she would not get. She initially told me that she had planted the tree and because of that she was entitled to take it down. I of course did my own research and found that it was not the case.
Last night I met with MPMS and was told that the tree had mysteriously lost all of its leaves in the last week, I assured them I had photo of a healthy looking tree. We walked over there and were shocked to see the tree no longer there and the tree box covered.
I am told by other sources that another ANC supported these actions – I hope this is not true, this is a bad example to set for all the other businesses.
As you probably know Haydee’s withdrew her application for outdoor café. She would have gotten the permit but one of the conditions was that she remove two tables by her entrance to provide sufficient sidewalk space to pedestrians as they walked by the tree box, she refused and said that she wanted all the tables and did not understand why there needed to be 6’ of clearance.
I am enclosing some pics I took of the before and after.
Gabriela Vega
Transportation Planner, Ward 1”
Not exactly a garden but I’ve noticing these trees blooming all over town. Anyone know what kind this is?
Photo by PoPville flickr user Jess J
“Dear PoP,
Just found out about this awesome program being put on by DDOE.
Looks like the city will reimburse up to $50 per tree to district residents (up to three per resident.
Would be great if you could publicize to aid in making Washington a greener city!”
Always happy to remind folks about these great programs.