D.C. seeks to increase tree population

In an effort to reverse the effects of a 25-year period of drastic tree loss, D.C. government, organizations and residents are digging in to boost the tree population in the city.

Sixty-four percent of the city’s largest trees died between 1973 and 1997. The District’s tree-planting efforts stalled during those years as people moved to the suburbs and tax funds declined, said John Thomas, the arborist for the District’s urban forestry administration.