Maple Leaf’s ‘exceptional’ Douglas fir trees spared, for now

Some North Seattle residents prevented two Douglas fir trees from being cut down but their fight is likely just beginning.

Neighbors in Seattle’s Maple Leaf neighborhood found out Friday that two Douglas fir trees were slated to be cut down.

But the trees are considered “exceptional” by the city and can’t be removed without a permit.

These residents acted while city offices are closed for the holiday weekend. In fact, that is why they believe the tree cutters were here because no city workers are on staff during the holiday.

And once the trees are cut down, there is nothing that can be done.

So, they stepped in.

“I didn’t think I was sacrificing myself at the time,” said Julia Shettler.

She had come to this Maple Leaf neighborhood Saturday morning to record what neighbors feared was about to happen, the removal of two Douglas fir trees believed to be decades old.

“As I was getting the video,” said Julia, “I was getting closer and closer to where the tree was. And I was standing under the canopy.”

Neighbors of this house on Northeast 98th Street say the property owner told them Friday that the trees would be cut down over the holiday weekend.

But they believe the Douglas fir trees are deemed “exceptional” under the city code.

“Yeah,” said Stuart Niven, “based on what I can see from other sides of the property, not being on the property itself.”

Neighbors called Niven, a certified arborist.

He says to be considered “exceptional,” a Douglas fir must be at least 30 inches around near the base. The city has to issue a permit for the tree to be cut down. He says he searched for one.

He says he found no indication that anybody had asked for a permit.

“No, no,” he said.

That does not surprise Julia’s mother, Sandy, a self-described tree protection advocate. She says she has seen this before.

“And we’re quite frankly laughed at,” she said. “Because they know we can’t do anything especially if they grind the stumps. It’s a crime without evidence and nothing will ever happen.”

But that didn’t happen Saturday. Her daughter stood in the tree cutters’ way.

“And they eventually had to pack up because they needed to get it down,” said Julia. “I think it’s unfortunate that it has to happen. I wish that there were an easier way to do it.”

Neighbors do not think this is the end of it. They expect the tree cutters to be back.

KIRO 7 tried to contact the property owner with no success.

We’ll let you know what happens next.

©2022 Cox Media Group