Trees were heavily used in Olmsted's design to both frame the building and provide shade for visitors and his design still drives all landscaping decisions on the grounds today, including the placement and selection of trees.

Olmsted's design of the U.S. Capitol Grounds built a natural landscape, as opposed to focusing on individual plants or formal gardens. At the U.S. Capitol today, this design is kept intact through tree plantings arranged in natural-looking groups.

Trees

The placement of the largest trees is designed to hide views of the Capitol except from specific angles that show off the building's architecture at its most majestic and inspiring vantage point. Olmsted used large deciduous shade trees throughout his design, and low-growing evergreen shrubs were used along the base of the West Terrace of the Capitol.

Gifted, Memorial and Commemorative Trees

Today, as you walk the grounds, Olmsted's original design is evident all around. However, you may notice a few additions of some exotic trees from across the world. These trees have been introduced over time as gifts, such as the cherry trees given by Japan in 1912, and as memorial or commemorative trees.

A memorial tree is planted in memory of an individual or individuals who are deceased and have made a national contribution, while a commemorative tree is planted to recognize a state, a living individual, group, organization, or a significant event or anniversary. 

These special trees serve as a vehicle for experiencing a bit of American history and can be found on our U.S. Capitol Grounds features page.