Our Grand Avenue

Sheridan Circle

NPS to plant American lindens in Sheridan Circle  (2017)

We’re delighted that the National Park Service has changed the type of linden to be planted in the ring of 16 trees that form the monumental landscape of Sheridan Circle.  The American linden (Tilia americana) has a majestic form and can grow 50-80′ tall. This was the tree planted in 1904, in double rows along Mass Ave  sidewalks and making the ring around the dome-shaped park of the Circle and central raised statue.

In our slide show, watch these amazing giant lindens grow — and die off. The NPS has been replacing them with little-leaf linden (T. cordata) which are shorter and bunchier. You can see the difference in our slideshow and by viewing trees there today.  Now the NPS  decided to plant only the original species henceforth.

The Circle, designed and landscaped in the early 20th century, is a unique example of City Beautiful urban design and landscape. The ring of tall trees form living ‘pillars’ around the perfect dome of the lawn. The design recalls the Pantheon in Rome and the (later) Jefferson Memorial.

Restore Mass Ave’s core work is choosing tree species and sites to revive the experience of the original Grand Avenue here. Our Sheridan Circle Restoration Project is working with the National Mall & Memorial Parks (NAMA) division of NPS on restoring this neglected yet outstanding example.

Besides improving the trees, our Sheridan Circle Restoration Project envisages improving the fountains, focal plantings, and lighting the outstanding statue of General Philip Sheridan.  Tree Project chief is RMA Board member Robert Nevitt . Mass Ave resident and historian Bobbie Brewster is the overall Sheridan Circle Restoration Project Director.