The Case of the Disappearing Trees

Over the course of several days, Burleith neighbors of questioned why most of the trees along 35th Street had been cut down. It turns out, the trees in question were an invasive species, known as "Tree-of-Heaven," and their presence killed off native species that tried to grow along the fence line. They were cut down as part of the beautifucation of Hardy's hillside with support from the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), the Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization (OPEFM) and D.C. Public Schools (DCPS).

The sad stumps of once tall trees line the fence along 35th Street and neighbors houses are now in clear view from the Hardy athletic fields.

During a lecture to DCPS students Friday, Trinh Doan from DDOE explained to students that the tree-of-heaven releases a chemical that is toxic to native trees and plants. Doan was instructing children on watershed conservation as part of .

According to the National Park Service's Plant Conservation Alliance website, trees of heaven are native to China, but can be harmful to environments like that of D.C.:

"Tree-of-heaven is a fast-growing tree and a prolific seeder, that  can  take over sites, replacing native plants and forming  dense thickets. Ailanthus  also produces chemicals  that prevent the establishment of other plant species nearby. Its root system may be extensive  and has been known to cause damage to sewers and foundations."

Since the OPEFM was working on Hardy already and the DDOE was involved because of the new wetlands project, the agencies were able to work together to determine that the invasive trees should be removed. Approximately 20 new native species like tulip poplar, black gum, flowering dogwoods, cherry have been planted in their stead farther down on the hill, according to Hardy Principal Dr. Mary Stefanus.

"We're very excited. Of course, it will taken time for them to grow. The hillside was overgrown, weedy and the project is timely for many reasons," wrote Stefanus in an email to Patch.