Judge Halts Tree Removal at Washington Golf Course

A federal judge on Monday ordered a 24-hour suspension of tree cutting at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, DC, as she considers emergency relief sought by preservationists and local golfers challenging the Trump administration's plans for the public course. Judge Ana Reyes said the removal could cause permanent damage while litigation over proposed renovations remains unresolved.

The order followed the National Park Service's announcement that it intended to remove hundreds of trees from the historic property. In a ruling cited by The Guardian on October 12, Reyes directed officials to explain the timing of the work and identify who authorized it.

Reyes emphasized that the court's restrictions also applied to maintenance activities. She wrote, "Tree removal for routine maintenance is not exempt from this order," according to The Guardian.

The judge also explained why immediate intervention was warranted, writing, "Plaintiffs are likely to suffer immediate and irreparable harm in the absence of preliminary relief. The removal of hundreds of trees from East Potomac golf course is permanent."

The National Park Service had scheduled the removal of 169 trees beginning October 10, followed by another 90 at a later date, according to court filings reported by CNN. The agency's broader plans cover as many as 529 trees, while administration lawyers told the court the previous month that approximately 150 had already been cut down.

Officials have described the work as maintenance rather than part of the proposed golf course redevelopment. Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, addressed the distinction in a court filing, stating, "The planned tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation project is not a renovation or redesign of the Golf Course, is not a part of any potential project to redesign or renovate the Golf Course, and would be carried out irrespective of any future renovation or redesign," CNN reported.

Griess also addressed concerns about historically significant vegetation, stating, "No healthy trees that are contributing features of the historical golf course (such as healthy, historic cherry trees) will be removed as part of this project." The area around Haines Point attracts visitors each spring to see the cherry blossoms.

The Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, defended the project as the implementation of an existing maintenance plan. In a statement to CNN on October 10, the department said, "The National Park Service is finally implementing a 7-year-old plan to address tree overgrowth at East Potomac Golf Course. The work will include selective tree and vegetation work to restore the course."

The department further stated, "NPS recognizes the importance of trees to the park and its visitors. This carefully planned work is part of our required stewardship of the park." Officials have characterized the effort as an obligation to maintain the public golf course and manage vegetation.

The dispute forms part of broader litigation over the administration's plans to transform the course into a championship-caliber golf venue. President Donald Trump has visited the site with a cabinet member and a golf course architect, bringing plans for the proposed redevelopment, according to The Guardian.

The National Park Service estimated the preliminary cost of the proposed renovation at between $20 million and $49 million, CNN reported. The agency plans to begin soliciting bids for the redevelopment in January 2027.

Local residents and preservation advocates have objected to the tree removal and the proposed transformation of the public facility. At a hearing last month, Reyes acknowledged the strength of public reaction, saying, "people are pretty upset." CNN also reported that the judge had received threats, including one from an individual who threatened to remove her if she did not "save the trees."