Thanks to a reader for sending this in from Calvert St, NW in Adams Morgan. I can’t find it in the archives but we once discussed a similar display found on Adams Mill Road. At that time I believe some folks were concerned that the way it was attached to the tree could damage the tree. Art or Graffiti?

Hard to tell from the photo but I believe it! A reader took the shot above on Connecticut Ave near the zoo. Today is also set for a balmy 52 degrees. Anyone else see trees blooming? Of course, this probably isn’t a good thing. Will this affect their normal spring blooms?

I always love Japanese Maples but I especially love them when their leaves turn red. But forgot to look for them before their leaves started falling off. Thankfully this one from Columbia Heights was still hanging on in December.

“Dear PoPville,

In Mt Pleasant, 18th St, NW between Kenyon and Kilbourne, it seems someone is trying to kill a tree by drilling holes in the trunk and pouring salt into the holes and around the trunk. I’m guessing the tree will survive but who would do this??”

I suffered through a miserable walkabout on Sat. but I was rewarded with some sweet scenes on Sunday. These trees by the Capitol building had me transfixed.

Every year we talk about the putrid smell of the Ginkgo tree. And even though every year DDOT sprays the trees some still stink. Well, Adams Morgan has taken the solution to the next level. Since they are expanding the sidewalks for the streetscape improvement – yesterday – they decided to kill two birds with one stone and take down the huge gingko tree in front of Asylum on 18th St, NW. I don’t think many will shed a tear…

“Dear PoP,

(Not so) Giant sequoia tree on south side of US Capitol. I’ve always found it beautiful, if not oddly out of place.”

Awesome!

Photo from @Kristendore via @CitizenCassidy

Looks like it’s right outside Haydee’s at 3102 Mount Pleasant Street NW.

Photo by PoPville reader John

This tree and the way the light was catching it yesterday afternoon was awesome.

“Dear PoPville,

I woke up this morning to see what’s in the attached pictures. It looks like sawdust around the base of the tree and also some just inside the retaining wall of my front yard.

Do you think any of your readers may have an idea of what’s going on?”

Uh – oh, termites? Renegade mulcher? Anyone know for sure?

From a DDOT Press release:

To prevent the notoriously unpleasant odor of the popular ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) from overtaking city streets, the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration (DDOT Trees) will begin spraying the unsavory smelling female ginkgo fruits tonight. DDOT Trees will use the same spray that has been used for the past several years, Shield-3EC 24(C).

Spraying will begin in Wards 1, 2 and 6, where female ginkgo trees are most prevalent, and continue through Wards 4, 3, 7, 8 and 5. Spraying will occur overnight for the next few nights and there is no need to move vehicles parked on streets.

For additional information please contact DDOT Trees at 202-671-5133.

Matt lamented this unpleasantness a couple of years ago. Anyone notice the smell this year?

“Dear PoP,

I’ve got a bit of a neighbor dilemma, and am hoping your readers should shed some light on the situation.

I live next to two elderly ladies — we have a cordial relationship that I would like to maintain. Their son (let’s call him Sam) visits every couple of weeks and tends to things around the house. We also have a good relationship. Last year when the city went around and planted trees, a tree was placed in the tree box in front of their house. A few weeks later, I noticed the top of the tree had been cut off (effectively killing it.) Another one of my neighbors (no longer lives on the block) mentioned Sam had killed the tree. I was perhaps a bit peeved, but no big deal I suppose.

Now this year roles around and the city once again plants a tree in the tree box in front of my neighbors’ house. Yesterday I am in my back yard gardening and Sam mentions that he plans on killing off the tree. He notes that he generally hates trees and is convinced that the tree will eventually damage the water intake pipes to the house. I uneasily suggest that he should not do this. But. admittedly, I don’t press him. Today I am leaving for work and find he has once again decapitated a city planted tree (see picture attached.)

What should I do? Should I do anything? Who would technically enforce this type of violation? I have had disappointing experiences with the DC Department of Forestry in the past, so I’m not sure they would be of any help. I’m not sure talking to him will do much good, if he is convinced that this tree was going to be ruinous for his future inheritance. Also, if I do ‘tattle’ I am certain he will know it is me. Is it worth it to kill this relationship over a tree?”

It’s very rare that I’m speechless after receiving an email – but I am stone cold speechless. I am genuinely eager to see what others think because quite frankly I’m unable to give helpful advice that is not skewed by the emotions I have after seeing the above photo. For those who give advice – obviously there is an emotional reaction – but try to keep in mind that the reader needs to maintain neighborly relations. Keeping that in mind – what would you do in this situation?

I love how this one (red bud?) also buds right off the trunk:

I told you I spotted a lot of interesting trees this week. Both of these are from the Capitol grounds but I thought the one below was especially cool due to the dedication:

I happened to notice a lot of very cool trees this weekend but this was one of my favorites.