Photos showing the removal aftermath of weeping willow trees outside Washington’s Kennedy Center are circulating online. This has led to renewed questions about the reasons and timing of the removal.
Reason for Removal
The willows were removed in October 2025 due to safety concerns, as per a Kennedy Center spokesperson. Executive Director Matthew Floca testified earlier this year that most of the original weeping willows were removed because they were decaying.
Some online posts have incorrectly linked the removal to President Donald Trump. However, Floca’s testimony stated that Trump had no specific discussions about the willow trees or their replacements. Floca mentioned he thought replacing them with a weeping cherry tree would be ideal.
Court Opinion on Tree Removal
A federal court opinion, dated May 29, 2026, cited Floca’s testimony regarding the decay of the willow trees. U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper noted that Floca considered cherry trees appropriate replacements. Cooper raised concerns about changes made to the Kennedy Center’s exterior due to its historical significance.
Forbes noted that the willows were planted in shallow beds over concrete decks, which limited their lifespan, leading to decay and instability. One tree had fallen during a storm, and others appeared to be dying before their removal in 2025.
Legal and Historical Considerations
The removal of the willow trees is part of a broader legal dispute regarding changes and planned renovations at the Kennedy Center. Preservation and architecture groups have challenged the planned renovations, arguing the need for reviews and approvals before proceeding.
The court noted that the center’s original design, including the columns and willow trees, was considered crucial for its historical designation. Recently, the center’s columns were repainted from gold to white, and the plans included replacing the willows with another species.
Historical Background of the Trees
The willows were integral to the Kennedy Center’s landscape from its opening in 1971. A planting plan from around 1965 included other species like red oaks and crab apples. Willows were planted in raised planters on terraces overlooking the Potomac River.
The court opinion highlighted the willows’ significance to the center’s history, but the current landscape records do not confirm whether the removed trees were original specimens from 1971.
Trump’s Involvement
Trump became chairman of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees in February 2025 and plays a significant role in the center’s broader renovation efforts. However, Floca testified that Trump and he did not discuss the willow trees specifically.
Renderings of the planned renovation, shared by Trump in March, showed cherry trees where the willows once stood. The larger renovation plan remains under legal scrutiny. Justice Department lawyers argued in an August court filing that the Kennedy Center requires major repairs to avoid potential demolition.
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