A public notice was posted today (April 11, 2011) on a large European Birch tree in front of Green Lake Elementary School (2400 N 65th St).
The “Tree Retention Evaluation” notice was posted by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). It indicates that the sidewalk around the base of the tree is scheduled to be replaced.
“SDOT’s policy is to retain trees whenever possible when repairing sidewalks,” the notice reads, “but if the root pruning needed does not allow the tree to remain stable and viable, it may be necessary to remove this tree within 10 days of this posting.” The appraised value of the tree is listed at $8,600.
The notice asks that the public direct comments to the City Arborist at P.O. Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4669, at seattle.trees [at] seattle.gov, or by calling (206) 684-TREE (8733).
I walk by that tree twice a day. It is oozing something. It is not a healthy tree. It may not be its time yet, but it doesn’t look good.
We are optimistic that SDOT will be able to narrow the sidewalk adjacent to the birch tree to four feet wide to give the tree more room to grow. This project is a joint effort between SDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program and the Sidewalk Safety Repair Program. As funding allows, repairs are also planned to the east side of Sunnyside north of N 65th. There, the London Planes are growing in a wide planting strip and we should be able to repair portions of sidewalk with little impact on the trees. Thank you for your concern. Please contact me directly with questions. Liz Ellis, SDOT Sidewalk Safety Repair Program (Your Bridging the Gap tax dollars at work). Liz.Ellis@Seattle.Gov or 206-233-2768
Thanks very much, Liz!
Amy Duncan
Editor
My Green Lake