(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the new DC Tree Watering Application during her Ward 6 community walk. The event, which featured a demonstration of the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) innovative new app, highlighted the value of and need for community assistance in keeping newly planted trees hydrated. The Mayor was joined at the launch by DDOT Deputy Director Jeff Marootian, DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division (UFD) team, and members of the community.

“We are committed to embracing smart technology across city government, and with the launch of the new DC Tree Watering App we are encouraging all District residents to help support our urban forestry,” said Mayor Bowser. “This past planting season, as part of DC’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, we planted 8,200 new trees throughout the city. Now, we want to see them flourish and we invite everyone to help. Watering is the easiest and most affordable way for residents to help, and this app will allow us to coordinate our efforts.” 

Through the DC Tree Watering App, users can locate trees in all eight wards that need watering, tag trees they water, and upload photos of the trees being watered. In addition, users can report trees in need of care (e.g. a tree has a beehive), and the UFD will review all reports to determine the best means of care for each tree. The app also includes a story map with information about tree species found throughout Washington, DC.

The District maintains more than 215,000 trees throughout the city. During the last tree planting season (October 2016 through April 2017), the city planted 8,200 trees, increasing urban tree canopy coverage of the District to 38.7 percent.

The launch of the app is part of Back to Basics DC, a multi-week celebration of the day-to-day work that keeps Washington, DC moving forward. Follow Back to Basics DC on social media using #backtobasicsDC.

Residents can find the app at treewatering.ddot.dc.gov/treewatering, and visit ddot.dc.gov to learn more about the District’s urban forestry.