National Park Service to Remove Over 500 Trees at East Potomac Golf Course Amid Renovation Plans

The National Park Service filed a court document on Friday indicating that more than 500 trees deemed non-contributory to the historic landscape of the East Potomac Golf Links will be removed. The agency said 169 trees will be taken down starting Saturday, with an additional 90 slated for later removal, while no healthy trees that are part of the course’s historic features, including cherry trees, will be cut.

The tree work is part of a broader rehabilitation effort aimed at restoring the course’s historic character and improving sightlines toward nearby landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, according to a statement from the Interior Department on Saturday. The department added that the renovation will include selective vegetation management and that the public course will remain open, though individual holes may close temporarily.

President Donald Trump has promoted a plan to convert the 106-year-old course into a venue capable of hosting major golf tournaments. The proposal has faced legal challenges from groups including the DC Preservation League, which argue that the redesign may violate the 1897 congressional act that established the park. Plaintiffs sought an emergency stop-work order earlier this year, citing concerns over the timing of the construction.

"The National Park Service is finally implementing a 7-year-old plan to address tree overgrowth at East Potomac Golf Course," the Interior Department said.

"The carefully planned work is part of our required stewardship of the park," the agency added.

The renovation proceeds amid ongoing debate over potential changes to public access and fees, with some residents warning that converting the course to a high-end facility could limit its traditional role for Washingtonians of all income levels.