Gas leaks have been affecting and killing street trees in DC for more than 100 years. Beginning in the early 1900s “underground gas leaks became an increasing problem as the city grew, “according to City of Trees: The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Washington, DC (published by Center Books, 2008, third edition, page 5)
In August 2017, Bob Ackley of Gas Safety USA updated his earlier research project concerning leaking natural gas pipelines in Georgetown and their effect on trees adjacent to those leaks. His report is available upon request.
His updated street and tree survey found dozens of gas leaks throughout Georgetown, which he documented via Google Earth and has been provided to the DC Public Service Commission, Georgetown Advisory Neighborhood Commission, Citizens Association of Georgetown, Trees for Georgetown, Georgetown Garden Club, Casey Trees, and others.
Settled Science
The link between leaking natural gas pipelines and the death or deterioration of adjacent trees has been settled science for decades and discussed in numerous text books, research papers, and news accounts.
Letter from Scientists
On September 20, 2017, three scientists with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and Boston University released a statement saying it was their shared opinion that there is strong scientific evidence of the link between leaking natural gas pipelines and the deterioration or death of trees that are adjacent to those leaks. According to them, “…. the negative consequences of natural gas pipeline leaks is an important issue that should be addressed by scientists, utility companies, legislators, and community leaders.”
DC Gas Leaks 