If a Tree Falls ...

By Ann Carper

Burleith experienced several instances of planned and unplanned tree removal this summer. The July removal of a dead tree on the 39th Street alley was a two-day affair that entertained neighbors and caused a parking issue or two.

(Check out DDOT’s tree regulations before having work done. DDOT Urban Forestry Division arborists are authorized to protect the District's trees by issuing citations that carry financial or other penalties for violations of regulations.)

A worker managed to squeeze in a text break while at the top of the dead tree.

Also in July, the National Park Service removed a dead tree from the Whitehaven Green Lot. The stump and trunk have since been removed, and a dangerous sinkhole was filled with twigs.

Questions about park maintenance may be directed to Nick Bartolomeo, Chief of Resource Management, National Park Service, Rock Creek Park, (202) 895-6010; nick_bartolomeo@nps.gov. Thanks to Tree Crew Supervisor Mike Papa for handling the removal.

On a Saturday night in early July, trees were downed at the northwest corner of 37th and T and in the 1900 block of 38th Street, which lost power. Residents on 38th Street praised PEPCO for working late to restore it.

The sidewalk on the north side of T Street, which had already heaved because of tree roots, needs to be fixed. (Update: It was replaced in November.)