Tree Inventory, Risk Assessment, and Arboretum Management
Urban Canopy Works is honored to provide expert arboricultural services to the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). The AOC is responsible for the management and care of over 5,000 trees within a unique and valuable arboretum in Washington D.C. The trees on the historic Frederick Law Olmstead- designed grounds of Capitol Hill and surrounding government buildings and parks provide the expected benefits of temperature moderation and cooling, reduction of air pollutants, shade, and aesthetics, but are also important cultural and educational resources for visitors.
Given the historic significance of the Capitol grounds and the sheer number of visitors that travel through and within the arboretum, in 2019 the AOC first placed their confidence in Urban Canopy Works to conduct an inventory of nearly 5,000 trees and to perform a Level 3 risk assessment on approximately 100 mature trees. In 2020, the AOC recently contracted with UCW to provide Level 2 inventory, tree support and lightning protection systems inspections, and Level 3 risk assessment services through 2024.
UCW will be providing additional services to support the AOC’s effort to achieve a higher arboretum accreditation level. These services include a comprehensive inventory of woody shrubs, and an updated Arboretum Management Plan. With the data from the tree inventory, recommendations from the tree risk assessment, and an updated Arboretum Plan, the AOC will be able to better manage the trees and shrub collections not only as iconic features of an historic landscape and the grounds and as an urban oasis that provides many benefits to visitors and workers in our nation’s capital, but also as an educational resource for all.
UCW and its team members on this multi-year project are dedicated to providing the AOC with expert services to assist the AOC sustain the arboretum’s trees and shrubs as natural and cultural assets for as long as possible in a reasonably safe condition for elected officials, staff, and visitors in our nation’s capitol.