Why there are tree stumps where Linnean Avenue dead ends near the Soapstone Valley Trail

by Marlene Berlin

Two lots are being developed by the owner Sassan Kimiavi, just south of the 4400 block of Linnean Avenue beyond the dead end.

Locations are approximate.

Tree stumps can be seen from the “social” trail that leads from the dead end Street to Soapstone Valley Trail.

Photos courtesy of DC Urban Forestry

John Anderson of DDOT’s Urban Forestry division, which manages the city trees, came out to survey the lots to ascertain what trees could be cut down. He determined that 15 trees could be removed, given the conditions of the trees and the tree and slope overlay that restricts tree removal in our neighborhood. (Read more about the tree and slope overlay in Forest Hills.)

In addition, Urban Forestry tells Forest Hills Connection that the developer received permits to cut down four substantial trees whose circumferences do not meet the requirement for protected “special” trees. Nonetheless, the trees are part of the natural architecture of the slope and maintain its stabilization.

According to developer Kimiavi, there are no plans yet for how these two lots will be developed (and Urban Forestry says as long as the conditions are met, trees can be cut down with no building plans in place). Now and when work begins, however, the development will have to adhere to the conditions of the tree and slope overlay:

• Preserve the natural topography and mature trees to the maximum extent feasible in the Forest Hills neighborhoods;
• Prevent significant adverse impact on adjacent open space, parkland, stream beds, or other environmentally-sensitive natural areas;
• Limit permitted ground coverage of new and expanded buildings and other construction, so as to encourage a general compatibility between the siting of new buildings or construction and the existing neighborhood.