City Scheduled to Remove 42 Dead Street Trees

Redmond:   This time of year it is often difficult to tell a dead tree from a dormant tree. However, this past summer the death of several street trees along 185th Avenue NE came to the attention of the City’s Park Operations work group who manage the nearly 8,000 street trees along major arterials and downtown.

“Multiple seasons of extended drought have resulted in stressful growing conditions for both newly planted and established trees,” said staff arborist Chris Tolonen. These dry conditions have contributed to the death of 40+ trees on this street between NE 76th Street and State Route 202.

The removal of the dead trees will be accomplished with Park Operations staff beginning on January 17. Removals, including the grinding of the stumps, will be followed by the planting of replacement trees. Work activities should be confined to the parking lane; intermittent sidewalk closures will be required to maintain pedestrian safety.   

For questions and more information contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. 

We had a beautiful, 40-year old hybrid vine maple in our front yard.  It had incredible colors. We loved this tree. It died last year and we had to chop it down.  The arborist said the terrible drought in 2015 and another one in 2016 killed off many trees; he's never seen so many dead.  B.Y. 

'Sustainable Redmond' Files Petition with Superior Court on Group Health Clear-cut Decision

Group Health 28-acre site to be clear-cut

January 25, 2012

Sustainable Redmond Files Land Use Petition

Redmond, WA – On January 24, Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond filed a land use petition in King County Superior Court, seeking review of the City of Redmond’s decision to approve Group Health’s request to clear cut a 28-acre urban forest within the Overlake neighborhood so as to facilitate the development of a master planned mixed use development. This includes 65 landmark trees, estimated to be 150 to 250 years old, and 985 significant trees, up to 150 years old. Sustainable Redmond was joined in the appeal by Friends at Overlake Village, Villa Marina Condominium Association, and Rosemarie Ives, former mayor of Redmond, 1992-2007. In support of the appeal are the Eastside Audubon Society, Sherwood Forest Community Club (a nearby Bellevue neighborhood), and Techies for Trees (workers in the Overlake neighborhood).

Members from Sustainable Redmond, along with many local citizens and several groups, had urged the Council to reconsider the Group Health Overlake Village development agreement at public hearings in November and December. On December 13, the City Council approved, 6 to 1, the Group Health Overlake Village Master Plan and Development Agreement, with councilmember Allen dissenting.

While Sustainable Redmond supports transit-oriented development, Read More >>

The Challenges Of Crafting Redmond Tree Regulations

AustinChronicle.com

It's been a long 24 years since a Redmond updated our Tree Regulations.  Trees are a big part of our culture.  They populate our parks, open spaces, trails, neighborhoods, and even downtown with greenery. They contribute to the riparian habitat of Bear Creek's salmon. We cherish them for their ecological benefits.  A few of our treed parks and trails are regional destinations. 

City Council, the Planning Commission, expert city staff, and community volunteers worked long and hard - 1.5 years in fact - to update the tree regulations.  Council was willing to approve the proposed regulations but unfortunately a Master Builder lawsuit against Kirkland's new tree regulations caused them to delay.  Read Mayor Birney's response at the end of this article.  

Redmond's proposed Tree Regulation Update took ~ 12 meetings!

The Update is a lot about tree replacements and penalties:   

• For every one Landmark tree (30 inches or more) removed, six "replacement trees" (saplings) must be planted either on-site, off-site, or fee in-lieu. ($2,000.) in that order.
• For every one "Significant" tree  (6 inches in diameter at breast height) removed three saplings must be planted either on-site, off-site, or fee in-lieu ($500) in that order.
• The idea is to build canopy.  Redmond's goal is 40% canopy.  Canopy provides  cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more. Most Washington cities have a 40% canopy goal.
• For each tree removed illegally by topping the contractor's penalty will be tripled. 
• Single Family Homes don't qualify for off-site or fee-in lieu options. Saplings must be shoe-horned into the parcel.  If an evergreen is removed, it must be replaced by a six-foot evergreen tree.  The requirements can never be enforced; no penalties. 
• Find the proposed updates here:  www.LetsConnectRedmond.com/Trees

The "Master Builders of King and Snohomish County" argument against Redmond's Update is, in part: 

1. "Redmond is at odds with another critically important goal for the community (and requirement under the Growth Management Act.); insuring adequate supply of housing."
2. "Concerned enhanced retention and replacement requirements will significantly increase review times and construction costs; hampering new home construction and driving up costs."  
3. "This will make it increasingly difficult for the City to meet it's own housing targets and provide a range of affordable housing options."
4. "The trees are getting the same protection as critical areas."
5.  "Reconsider a 40% canopy requirement since "American Forest" in 2017 no longer recognizes this as standard."  
6. "The Growth Management Act requires Redmond to responsibly provide dense housing totaling 8897 units by 2040."  

The Master Builder lawsuit against Kirkland's Tree Regulation Update as described by Mayor Birney (edited excerpt.)

Mayor Birney:  "The Master Builders claim Kirkland's tree protection ordinance violates the Growth Management Act (GMA) because it failed to consider private property rights, created vague implementation standards, treated trees like critical areas without consideration of Best Available Science and will decrease housing production. 

Mayor Birney:  "Although we do not believe these arguments have merit, staff want to take the "Growth Management Hearings Board" conclusions into account before finalizing the ordinance for Council approval. The final Board decision on the matter is expected in November.  In the meantime, staff are proposing to update the Redmond fee schedule for tree replacement and the enforcement codes to ensure that unpermitted removal is appropriately deterred until the substantive regulations can be finalized for Council adoption early in 2023."

Owing to the strength of the Planning Director's advice to Council, it was decided not to take action on the Proposal until November at which time the Kirkland law suit will be resolved. Council will wait until early January before implementing the new ordinance. In the process of this timeline, developers will be vested under the more lenient ordinance for over 2.3 years. Hmm, how much canopy will be removed before the new more restrictive ordinance takes place?

The Planning Director will not hire a "Code Compliance Officer."

-- Bob Yoder, 6/29/2022

For details on penalties for illegal tree removal, and to comment  "Read More"

Do you know you need a city permit to remove trees from your property?

Do you (and your neighbors) know that a city tree cutting permit is required to fell trees on your property?   Single Family Homeowners on lots < 10,000 sf are allowed to remove 2 healthy, "significant" trees per year.  A "significant" tree is defined as 6 inches to 30 inches in diameter.  In addition, diseased and/or dangerous trees may be removed with a city permit. 

A city permit is required to remove any significant tree or any tree over 30 inches.   Take a picture of the trees you want removed and map out the tree's location before heading down to the City Hall Permit Center (2nd floor).  A certified arborist should be able to help you with the permit. 

Summer is a good time to remove large, diseased trees growing dangerously close to your home.  Winter storms can easily knock down large trees.  If you confirm a neighbor is felling trees without a permit, contact the authorities.   For more information on tree-cutting visit this City of Redmond web page:  http://redmond.gov/aboutredmond/announceTrees.asp

Opinion By Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Rose Hill Middle School project application is recommended by hearing examiner with conditions

Rose Hill Middle School Site Plan - a stand of trees buffers the southern residential community



UPDATED OPINION:  The public is invited to comment on this project on October 4, 7:30 PM at Redmond City Hall.  There should be ample time for the public to comment - 10 minutes is provided.

The new Rose Hill Middle School and Stella Schola Choice School project application was recommended with conditions August 22nd by the Hearing Examiner.  The 143,000 sq. ft. school, with 90 new parking stalls, will be located on the same 23 acre parcel as the old Junior High.  Estimated construction cost is $49,158,000. The new school is slated for construction in 2012 while the Junior High is in session.   Address:  13505 NE 75th Street, Redmond.

The project City Council Public Meeting  Notice of 9/10 is especially confusing.: http://www.redmond.gov/government/publichearingnotices.  This link doesn't explain in any way how the public process works and who decides who can speak against whom.  I've contacted the city Ombudsman and project planner, sfischer@redmond.gov for clarification and will update this page with their responses.

The record shows intense public participation.  For the most part, tree removal, a fuel pipeline, and parking incited the turnout.  Three neighborhood meetings were held between April 15 and May 19, 2011.  A total  of 40 residents turned out.  In addition, 56 comments were taken from 9 people during the application process prior to the public Hearing.

THE CONDITIONS:

TRAFFIC & PARKING: The new school will increase capacity from 654 students to 900 total students, including Stella and portables.  The project will generate 642 net new daily trips serviced by three driveways. An expanded parent pick-up/drop-off drive will reduce congestion. A separate bus lane with room for eleven buses will increase traffic efficiency.  Parking demand for the events (5-10/year) currently exceeds demand and will continue to do so, even with 60 additional off-street parking spaces and 42 new spaces along entree drives.  The project includes 50 student bike racks, most of them covered.

STREET LIGHTING:  Streetlights may be required to illuminate the property frontage. Contact:  Paul Cho, Transportation Operations (425) 556-2751 with questions.

TREES:   Nearly half the trees will be saved; the City of Redmond requires retaining a minimum of 35% significant trees.   228 significant, healthy trees will be removed, including 12 Landmark Trees (greater than 30 inches in diameter).  218 significant trees and six Landmarks will be saved.   A stand of trees and 12 inch snag used by foraging Pileated Woodpeckers will be retained along the southern site boundary.  A Tree Preservation Map is available for viewing at Redmond City Hall.

THE OLYMPIC PIPELINE:  A 400-mile long petroleum pipeline from Ferndale to Portland runs N-S on the eastern boundary along the PSE electric transmission easement.  Read More >>

Former Mayor Ives Challenges Staff On Puget Sound Energy Plan

Rosemarie Ives

Good evening Mayor and Council Members,

Rosemarie Ives, former mayor 1992-2007

I am speaking again against the Sammamish Juanita Transmission Line.  Though much information was provided,  I have one question:  why did City staff support Puget Sound Energy’s business interests over the environmental interests of the people of Redmond AND the Puget Sound region who have committed to preserve the Sammamish Valley farmlands and open spaces for decades? 

After becoming mayor in 1992, the  Comprehensive Plan  identified  the east-west Transmission line at NE 95th Street as the northern boundary for manufacturing and industrial uses and with everything north  remaining  rural.  The owners of the land north of that transmission line  approached the City with a proposal for a golf course that is Willows Run today.  After  extensive  negotiations, the City agreed to zone the property “urban recreation” with the understanding that this land would remain “open space,”  with the owners required to uphold a long list of environmental regulations and responsibilities, and that in perpetuity, the golf course would remain open to the public.  I believed strongly that zoning for a golf course was the best way to preserve the historically rural Valley, protecting it from any kind of business, manufacturing or industrial intrusion.

UPDATED 1/29/24: Pearce PRD Deforestation Rivals the Devastation of Group Health's Tree Habitat

A Bobcat's "last stand" in Sigmund and Werner's backyard / credit Sigmund

In 2007, I made two trips to Sigmund and Werner's house to commiserate with them about their severe loss of a forest bordering their property.   Losing a neighborhood forest and it's wildlife is close to losing and mourning the loss of a dear friend. It hurts and it takes time. I know this from the Education Hill Perrigo Heights clear-cut. Sigmonde showed their pictures and I listened. She took me on hurried walk through the forest before the clear-cut. It was all over in just a few days.

The photograph of this urban Bobcat was taken by Werner & Sigmund. Their home borders on a North Redmond 18-acre forest.  Over 300 mature trees were cleared for 76 single-family homes with lot sizes ***4000 - 22,000 SF, according city documents. The project (178th Ct. NE & NE 116th St.) is known as "Pearce PRD" and is one of many environmentally sensitive projects in Redmond developed by Eric Campbell's Camwest Development, Inc. of Kirkland, WA.

According to a "Wildlife Study Report" filed by wetland , wildlife, and forest consultant Chad Armour, LLC on January 20, 2007 "the site may have the potential to support as many as 68 different species of wildlife". Sigmund has also observed coyotes and deer in her backyard and there have been neighborhood reports of *black bear. Where will they go?

Camwest paid an arborist for a tree preservation plan required by city permit. The arborist reported that 294 significant trees were clear-cut. That's 54% of the 489 significant trees on the project. 39 Landmark trees were presumed removed.  Landmark trees are supposed to get special protections. (see Councilwoman Kim Allen's statement, below).

Chad Armour made two brief site visits. Among Mr. Armour's qualifications, he is a "certified wetland delineator" and has a certificate in commercial real estate. He was hired by Camwest to write environmental reports for the city land use permit. 

Mr. Armour reported: nine wetlands and 20 State Priority habitat tree snags, ideal for Pileated Woodpecker nesting. He identified a foraging P. Woodpecker, and a Great Blue Heron "in the vicinity". The Great Blue Heron is valued by the State and Redmond as a Priority Species of Local Importance. Nesting P. Woodpeckers are potentially endangered and have protections when nests are present. I was told by a resident Armour spent only several hours during each of his two visits to the site.

Mr. Armour stated a heron rookery is located about one mile SE of the site. City planner Cathy Beam indicated months ago these eastern rookery nests were vacated. Mr. Armour also noted a stream map indicating coho salmon migrate to within a few hundred feet of the project site. A tributary to Bear Creek and two ponds are present.   

Obviously, significant and devastating deforestation of  "urban open space" has occurred. Habitat destruction was far more extensive than Camwest's Tyler's Creek and Perrigo Heights developments. Fortunately, Camwest does a good job restoring and enhancing their streams, wetlands, and forest buffers. However, according to the neighbors, the development will be setback only 20 feet from their properties and exposed neighborhood trees will be endangered by resultant high winds.

Councilwoman Kim Allen is to be commended for speaking up for the neighborhood during Werner's Landmark Tree Exception appeal. Councilman Richard Cole appeared insensitive during reconsideration of the Landmark Tree appeal stating Werner was slowing down the project. Ms. Allen is a qualified lawyer and is a strong council advocate for "green" protections and standards. ** Ms. Allen's statement urging amendments to city tree preservation standards are below. The city is holding a Community Meeting on Thursday, 7/28 to ask for ideas on how to improve Residential Development permitting. Contact Jeff Churchill for more information by emailing: jchurchill@redmond.gov.

*** The City Neighborhood Map and Notice of Application quote different lot size ranges.

**'Councilmember Allen read a written request to the staff as follows, 'Tree retention is an expressed value of the citizens of Redmond articulated in the Comprehensive Plan, Neighborhood Plans, and community meetings. Redmond’s tree retention law reflects that a detailed and thoughtful analysis by the Administrator of what should be a detailed and written account of extraordinary circumstances is required to justify the felling of any landmark tree or drastically reducing our declining canopy. In this case there is no record of that detailed analysis by staff which does both the staff and the citizens a disservice. Our Code Administrators should begin to provide a written and detailed analysis of their reasoning on all of these exceptions to our Tree Retention Ordinance and that the code should be amended to provide notice to adjacent property owners when such a request is made.' - contributed by Werner

###

QUESTIONS:  Was off-site mitigation required?  It not, how where were they replaced? PRD' appeals are Quasi-Judicial. Was there adequate notice?  Tom Hinman, a respected planning commissioner, influenced the city years later to map significant and landmark trees on the Notice of Application. Why did it take so long?   In 2022, Tree Regulations were updated to protect/preserve Redmond's remaining trees on private properties.  It's 2024 and the updated tree regulations still haven't been implemented owing to legal issues Kirkland is facing. No comment.   

Opinion and report by Bob Yoder, ~ 2007, updated 1/29/2024  

Additional "land use" articles are found using the blog search engine.

My experience removing "second growth" trees from our Redmond yard

Pam on a tree stump in our front yard

UPDATED: 04/2022  As much as I love trees, it was time to remove this double-trunk Doug fir from our front yard.  The tree diameters for each "fork" at breast height was 27 inches.  This one was a 70-year old, second  growth, beauty and it wasn't an easy decision.

When we moved into our "East Firs" Burnstead home 25 years ago, the fir was about half the size.   But, for about the last 7-10 summers the tree sucked up every drop of water around it, killing off our shrubs and grass.   Acidic pine cones, needles and branches dropped like rain on the roof.  Street appeal?  Suffocating.  Only 18 feet from our house, the exposed tree was a potential hazard.  So after much thought I filed for a city tree removal permit and hired Rudy Schulze of "Top Notch Tree Service" (360-420-9970) to do the work.

Towering  double-trunk fir on the left was removed
after getting a permit from the city.

We thought about removing only the large trunk and leaving the smaller one.  But, Rudy and one other certified arborist said no; that taking one trunk out would be like pruning more than 50% of the tree - not a healthy choice.  So, by the arborist's definition I removed two large significant trees joined at the hip. 

Some tips:  Watch out for the "Evergreen" arborist companies.  A few of them aren't arborists and just want your money. I was quoted $2,000 just for this tree.  I paid Top Notch $950 and a tip.  They dropped the limbs next to my vine maple with precision.   The next day, Rudy's partners hauled away all the wood for free and offered affordable stump grinding services.  Not only pros, but personable!   Visit the the International Society of Arboriculture website to find an ISA certified arborist.

The city requires a permit for removing "significant trees" and Landmark Trees. There's no fee.  For me, when hugging a large tree I know it's a Landmark when I can't touch my fingers.  You're allowed to remove up to two healthy "significant" trees (six inch diameter more) or one Landmark every 365 days with a permit.  

I found the permit here by searching Google. Read the fine lines.  Every tree you remove a tree you must replace it with a smaller tree.  If this is a hardship and you love trees, the City is updating their tree regulations and you may be able to donate to a Tree Fund.

Photos and Story by Bob Yoder, March 23, 2011

Soul Food Book's "Sustainable Redmond" forum for tree preservation in Overlake a success.

City Council approves plan to strip out ALL 1,000  trees on this 28 acre Group Health site
Sustainable Redmond files lawsuit at Superior Court.

"Sustainable Wednesday" at Soul Food Books to feature Sustainable Redmond - Group to Speak for Tree Preservation in Overlake Village Redmond, WA

OPINION:  On Wednesday, March 28, Sustainable Redmond will be featured at the Soul Food Books’ monthly Sustainability Wednesday series.The program begins at 7pm and all are encouraged to attend. The discussion will focus on plans for the 28-acre Group Health hospital site in Overlake.  Read More >>

Washington Department of Transportation tops hazardous trees

Click image to see the trees

The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is cutting down numerous 80 - 100 year old cottonwood trees growing along SR520 next to Bear Creek. The agency says these trees pose a hazard falling onto SR520 in high winds.  The trees are on WSDOT property, not the City of Redmond's property as many think. For environmental reasons they are topping ...not removing....the trees to provide habitat for birds and other animals. The procedure creates an ugly outcome.  The Mayor said in the Regular Council meeting of 10/2 the tree logs will be scattered along Bear and Evans creek to improve salmon habitat. 

Source:  WSDT blog

Make sure you get a permit before chopping down your trees

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My family loves the greenery, majesty and aesthetics trees bring to Redmond.  The magnificent Douglas firs scattered all over my Education Hill neighborhood are an important reason why we moved here.  It wasn't just the good schools.  Despite their beauty, the hum of chain saws and stacks of wood piled up near driveways is common.


We've lived in our home 30 years and during that course had to remove 5 tall Douglas firs from our modest-sized property.  Do they grow! Sadly, two of them were magnificent "Landmarks". All but one of the trees (it was healthy) were cut because they were "dangerous," as defined by the city permit.  They also covered our roof with debris, sucked up water killing our plants, and a few ruined our street appeal and re-landscaping plans.

I can't remember how I first heard of the city permit requirement.  The city doesn't advertise it.  I think an arborist told me.  Not all tree companies told me about the permit requirement but they sure did fill up my mailbox and knock on my door.  One neighbor took down 8 trees from their property in one week's time.

According to the city, removed trees should be replaced with up to one to three new trees. You can find more information about the tree-cutting permit on these two pages on the city website:

http://www.redmond.gov/Residents/CodeEnforcement/TreeCutting  residential

http://www.redmond.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=136876  development

To plant trees in city parks go to the "GreenRedmond" web page:

http://forterra.org/subpage/green-redmond-partnership

Enjoy the green!

Bob Yoder

Street Trees, Wide Sidewalks Threatened By Proposed 4-acre Project

Mature street trees line the roads surrounding the proposed 8-story, 700 unit downtown Chelsea project.  These street trees have grown into beautiful significant trees, but unfortunately their roots are buckling and cracking the sidewalks. Before Council holds their Hearing on this development, I hope they will encourage Mayor Birney to design wide enough sidewalks for planting replacement street trees.  We are losing urban canopy.

The wide six-foot sidewalk on 164th and 14-foot sidewalk on 83rd Ave. is threatened by this project.  The city acknowledges the "level of traffic stress" for bicyclists and pedestrians increase when sidewalk widths are reduced.  Wide sidewalks promote bicycle/scooter/wheelchair mobility, make room for street trees and raise the level for safety for all.  

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photos, 6/27/2023

Shaughnessy Heights subdivision trees are removed -- neighbors adjusting

Territorial views of downtown Redmond and wood piles remain.  A 15' tree buffer between
the orange fence and the black fence-line will eventually buffer the neighborhoods.

UPDATED  7/5 7:04 pm:  Two hundred twenty-nine significant trees and most of the dust, is now cleared from the 15.1 acre Shaughnessy Heights subdivision project on Ed Hill.   It didn't take long.  About 4 days of tree clearing and a few more to grade the steep slopes and prep a minor stream drainage.  Neighbors say the multiple, large wood debris piles will be chewed up on site and scattered by the end of the week.

Despite the tree waste, over 51% of the significant trees will be saved according to land use tree preservation  map.  The preserved land remains home to a significant stream and trees large enough to house large cavity-dwelling animals like Pileated Woodpeckers, raccoons, and 'possum'.  The developer could install Pileated Woodpecker educational signage as an amenity if he wants to. 

The project is  a 42-lot, 64 housing unit "planned residential development" land use that was earlier appealed by residents and decided and approved by Redmond city councilmembers in a "quasi-judicial role."  (All area cities except Bothell and Redmond make land use appeal decisions through the county Superior Court.)  Construction is planned for Spring, 2013 by Element Residential of Bothell.  The homes and duplexes will be set close together and more affordable similar to North Redmond and older Education Hill neighborhood standards.

Immediate neighbors had some obvious concerns.  On the 20th, "Bambi" was seen straying uphill through back yards towards the Nike - Perrigo greenbelt.  A hawk's nest toppled down.  Some neighbors think they will hear more SR520 highway noise with the trees down.  They want the promised 15' tree buffer installed ASAP, but the developer has to wait for irrigation water before planting.  In the meantime, traffic is stalled on 171st Ave NE while the city runs a 14 inch water pipe to the project.  On the 25th, residents found door-knob notices their water would be shut off from 9-3 pm -- only to come home after work to a dirty "five-flush toilet."

But the dust has settled...

On-lookers visiting the 169th Ave cul-de-sac were amazed by territorial views towards the city.  Some of the neighbors can even expect incredible views of Mt. Rainier from their 2nd-story decks.  An 8-foot fence will delineate the project, but neighborhood connector trails are planned through and around the development.  The developer saved two cedar trees and a deciduous by the emergency  service entry on 169th. 

Steve Fischer, city planner, assured a few nearby residents that "developer violations (like any unlawful staging of construction equipment or delayed tree buffer plantings)  are typically handled with a "red tag" stop work order. Since time is money...this is a very good way to get someone's attention," wrote Mr Fischer. 

Report and Photo by Yoder

1/23/07, Developer defends leveling trees

On January 24 the second stand of majestic poplar trees on Camwest "Tyler Creek" property came crashing down. The bordering East Valley Heights neighborhood is furious. A promise had been broken.

Neighborhood leaders insist their community was repeatedly told by the city and Camwest "how lucky they were to be working with such a generous builder...who had made concessions to keep the Poplar trees along the border or E. Valley Heights & Tyler Creek." Not only did the trees provide a nostalgic reminder of the old farm but the trees assist drainage.

According to Camwest, their decision about how to manage the Poplars would be based on the final lot configuration. They made no promises to the community to save the trees during the public review process, though some neighbors couldn't remember.

WHY didn't the city clarify the conditional intentions? WHY didn't the city respond directly to these neighbors when project planning was underway?

Council President McCormick's after-the-fact response was a commiserating tactic of "feel, felt, found". McCormick's findings? The Constitution -- allowing property owners to use their property -- is "the culprit". Not so sure about that! The problem is the city. The city gives "permission" i.e. PERMITS to use the land according to city standards and values. In this case, the city has no standard of conduct. Most unfortunate.

In the least, the city should require one new tree be planted for every fallen tree. More critical - these Poplars were healthy and not a hazard to the community. Camwest removed them primarily because they were "unsightly" and didn't fit with the project entryway.

The City development department is partly responsible for 'trashing' our neighborhood culture. "Together we make a community of good neighbors?" Remember Mayor Ives motto?

[Harkness,McCormick,& emails archived in the Government Email Group on the front page] 1/29/2007

"Shaughnessy Heights" developer starts 42-lot subdivision clear-cut on south Education Hill

Tony Lewis (in orange) City Lead Construction Inspector of Private Developments consults with workers

Developer of Shaughnessy Heights -- a 42-lot subdivision to contain 20 single family homes and 22 duplexes -- "starts clearing trees and staging additional equipment today."  -  Tony Lewis, lead Construction Inspector, City of Redmond.

The construction site is located on the hill above Redmond Elementary School and south of NE 86th  Street.  This project has one-way-in and one-way-out access from 169th Ave NE by Redmond Elementary School.  Construction equipment and earth movers will be using the 169th Avenue NE road by the school.  As of this first day of summer, the developer began clearing trees and staging equipment.  

The following letter (edited) was mailed to select Redmond residents on June 14th  by city planner Steve Fischer.  The recipients of Mr. Fischer's letter are citizens, the school district and other parties who participated "on record" in the Shaughnessy Heights Land Use Review process by attending public meetiings, commenting, phoning, and writing in their feedback to the city and various developers...   Read More >>

City saves two mature cottonwoods at Idywood Park

City Park Operations Manger David Tucheck
in Idylwood Park with Cottonwoods

In August 2017, two separate large tree limb failures occurred at Idylwood Park. After the limb failures from drought, a visual tree risk assessment was performed on all trees in high use park areas by a certified arborist on City staff. As a result of the tree risk assessment, thirty (30) large cottonwood trees were identified as needing to be removed.

 March 19, 2018, City staff removed fourteen (14) cottonwood trees.
 March 27, 2018, a formal appeal regarding the project was filed. The tree removal project was put on hold during the appeal process.
 June 1, 2018, the appeal was dismissed by the Hearing Examiner The project was postponed until after Labor Day because of the busy summer beach season.

The City has hired a contractor to remove the remaining fourteen (14) hazardous cottonwood trees. Two (2) of the hazardous will be pruned to reduce risk and will remain. The project is scheduled to resume on October 8, 2018. Restoration of the tree removal areas will occur November 2018 – March 2019.

A community volunteer replanting event will be coordinated by the City. Volunteers and City staff will plant trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and install woody mulch. Replanting quantities include 66 trees, 291 shrubs, and 96 groundcovers.

Source:  Parks and Human Services Council committee memo, 10/2

Cub Scouts restore Redmond forest.

Cub Scouts James, Nathan, and Alec with parents in Hartman forest

What a fun time we had in the forest today! Pictured are three Cub Scouts and their parents (Anne, Dale, Jeannie). Are they hard workers!

Lots went on behind the scenes to pull of the event.  City Maintenance crews provided the trees and tools.  Norah Kates from Cascade Conservancy showed us how to use the tools and be safe.  Volunteeer Land Steward, Doug Schmidt coached the cubs on how to plant and mulch the trees.  We planted 17 trees!

The Cubs were industrious and could have planted more.  But, environmental education is part of the Den Leader Jeannie's mission. So after a snack, Land Steward Doug took us on a tour through the forest to look for invasive (bad) plants. Doug is highly trained with a Master's in restoration.  We found English Ivy, Himalayan Blackberries, Stinkweed, and a giant Holly Tree. Doug said these plants aren't from here and are bad. They grow fast in sunlight and smother the forest floor.  The Cubs did a great job digging out these weeds before they planted their trees. 

As we walked through the forest, we saw giant Cedars, Hemlocks, and Maples. The Cubs know that some of the trees they planted may one day grow that tall! If they decide to plant again next year, they'll see how fast their trees have grown.  The link shows the forest area we worked is: http://tiny.cc/0j5Xd.

Lots of forestry restoration work remains.  If you want to schedule a forestry work party contact Norah Kates at: norahk@cascadeland.org. or me.  If you are a larger organization we have plenty of big jobs to in this forest. To learn more about our GreenRedmond Partnership visit: http://www.greenredmond.org/.

By Bob Yoder
GreenRedmond Volunteer

The Challenge And Sorrow Of Cutting Down My Tree

 The city is updating their tree regulations soon. City council is reviewing the tree permit and considering community donations to a "Tree Fund" for tree planting events. 

Pam on Landmark tree stump in our front yard.

UPDATED: 04/2022  As much as I love trees, it was time to remove this Doug fir from our front yard. With the high winds and rain we get the tree was hazardous being only 20 feet from our house.  So, after much thought and some pain I filed for a city tree removal permit and hired Rudy Schulze of "Top Notch Tree Service" to do the work. Removing the tree was a heartbreak.

When we moved into our "East Firs" Burnstead home 25 years ago, the tree was maybe half the size?  But in the last 7-10 summers the tree sucked up every drop of water around it, killing a small tree, some shrubs and our lawn.  Acidic cones, needles and branches dropped like rain on the roof.  Our street appeal was suffocating.  

           My double-trunked fir on the left was removed
after getting a permit from the city.

Pam and I wanted to salvage one of the forked  trunks, but Rudy and one of his arborists said no, that felling only one trunk would be like pruning more than 50% of the tree. Rudy called it out as a hazardous Landmark and removed the entire tree and checked it off on the permit.  **Not an Exception since hazardous. 

Some tips:  Be careful of Evergreen arborist companies(s). IMO only one is professional, the others not so much.  A few aren't  arborists and over-cut to raise their profits. One quoted over $2,500 for the tree.  I paid Rudy from Top Notch, $950 and a tip.  He dropped the trunks and limbs next to my vine maple and house with precision.  The very next day, Rudy's partners hauled away all the wood for free and offered affordable stump grinding services. I also highly recommend Paul Harvold, 425-748-4649. Visit the International Society of Arboriculture website to find an ISA certified arborist.

Redmond requires a permit for removing "significant trees" and Landmark Trees. There's no fee. I  heard about the permit by word-of-mouth.  You're allowed  to remove up to two healthy or hazardous "significant" trees (six - to less than 30 inches in diameter) or **one healthy, non-hazardous Landmark every 365 days with a permit.  

I found the permit here. Read it carefully. For every tree removed you're required to replace it in your yard with small native trees even if there's no space for it. Arborists don't tell you.  If this is a hardship in any way, and you love trees, please know, the City Council is updating their tree regulations and considering a neighborhood "Tree Fund" for community Park planting events. 

** Principal planner Kathy Beam says all Landmark removals require an Exception form. 

Photos & Story By Bob Yoder, 03/2011

Updated:  4/29/2022, 7:30am

Councilmembers value your input.   If  you want to donate to a community "Tree Fund" for tree planting events send council your wishes by emailing council@redmond.gov or email customer service at Info@redmond.gov.  Your feedback will make a huge difference. 

Letter: Tree City USA?

Tree City USA?

An item in last week’s Redmond Reporter noted that Redmond has been designated a "Tree City" by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 14th year. To qualify for this honor, a city must "designate staff to care for trees, appoint a citizen tree board to advocate for community forestry, establish a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on tree care and celebrate Arbor Day." Redmond is missing one critical element of these qualifications…a citizen tree board to advocate for community forestry.

The City of Redmond relies upon staff members to manage community trees and uses citizen volunteers for forest restoration manpower, but decidedly not for policy suggestions. We know because Sustainable Redmond has advocated for a citizen tree board consistently over the last year and has just as consistently been rebuffed. Read More >>

Sustainable Redmond asks Council to review the City of Redmond's tree protection policy

Sustainable Redmond, led by Board Member Tom Hinman gave a 20 minute "Items From The Audience" presentation to the City Council last night about the rapid loss of tree canopy in Redmond and its ramifications to our environment.  He specifically asked council to remand a staff report back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration of Sustainable Redmond's tree protection amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.  Council will hold a study session on the topic next week. 

Three environmental policy interns and citizen Susan Wilkins contributed to Mr. Hinman's presentation.  They spent hours of research time reviewing 15 development projects in North Redmond, Education Hill, Grasslawn, Group Health and other neighborhoods looking for data that documents harm to the environment from excessive tree removal practices.  Tree preservation findings from 2010-2013 showed 3,510 significant trees and 382 landmark trees were removed from these projects. Only Bear Creek neighborhood kept 100% of their landmark trees.  One intern calculated 6 million gallons/year of stormwater is untreated, 550 tons of carbon/year is unsequestered, and $179,000 value is lost per year by removal of these trees.  Loss of tree canopy is now considered a significant indicator of environmental health.  Read More >>