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| Tree is too close to our house |
Landmark trees, Protected trees, and trees within Critical Areas cannot be removed, unless they are determined to be hazardous, dead, diseased, dying, or structurally unsound by a certified arborist. A Landmark tree is any tree greater than 30 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground.
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| 28 inch significant tree |
Permits are required by the City to remove any
tree with a diameter of at least 6 inches. For an average sized lot in Redmond removal is limited to two significant trees per year and one Landmark tree per year with some exceptions.
For questions and to apply for a permit call the planner of the day at 425-556-2494.
Full details are here:
https://www.redmond.gov/529/Tree-Removal
Though it was very sad to see the tree go we, (and my neighbor) are a lot safer, we have more light in our backyard, among some other benefits.
Paul Harvold (pictured above) is an excellent arborist, nice guy too! 425-748- 4649.
Photos by Bob Yoder, 6/18/2020
It's always unfortunate when a tree has to come down, but with the small lots that we all have up here on the hill, it's not possible for many of these large trees to thrive. Most of these trees were planted when the houses were built 35+ yrs ago and not well thought out (as is often the case with new housing--whether it was the original owner, the developer or a landscaper people just want to make their landscaping look nice quickly but don't consider whether there is enough space for certain trees/bushes, the impact to their foundation or driveway and, of course the safety of their house). It's much better to be pre-emptive about these things as you don't want to be the recipient of a tree crashing through your bedroom during the next windstorm. And, the way 2020 has been going, I wouldn't be surprised if we get hit with a bad one this fall. (We're about due and everything is way overgrown so a windstorm this year would be bad folks.)
ReplyDeleteAgree with all the points the first commenter made. A lot of big trees were planted some 35+ years ago without much planning for how the trees would develop over time, e.g., a massive, big leaf maple tree on a 6,000 sq.ft. lot, or alder tree next to a driveway.
ReplyDeleteA lot of these trees probably do need ot be removed/pruned. I'm guessing the strict permitting requirements is to discourage homeowners from taking down trees whose roots might now be holding up a hillside or preventing soil erosion.