City Cast DC DC's Foliage is Radically Different This Year
Nov 6, 2025
Marissa Lang and John Harden, both Washington Post reporters, dive into D.C.'s rapidly changing treescape. They explore how climate change and urban forestry policies are altering tree species and structure. Discover why D.C. is evolving from a hardwood forest to featuring more southern species and unexpected fall colors. The duo also discusses the impact of pests and weather on tree health, and how these shifts reflect the city's future as it adapts to its ecological challenges.
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Rapid Human-Driven Tree Change
- D.C.'s treescape is changing rapidly due to human-driven planting choices and climate pressures.
- Species mix, tree height, root depth, and fall colors are shifting within decades, not centuries.
Old Forest, New Pace
- Many trees in D.C. predate the city and are part of a regional hardwood forest of oaks and maples.
- Natural tree migration happens over centuries, but current changes are much faster due to humans.
Plant Native, Not Invasive
- Prefer native species because they co-evolved with local soil, fungi, birds, and insects and therefore thrive better.
- Avoid planting invasive species that can outcompete local plants and damage ecosystems.