Have you had a subcontractor move tree protection fencing and accidentally damage a tree? Did it cost you time and money in the form of delays, extra inspections, project revisions or fines? Good news: the required fencing will help keep tree protection in place so that you avoid damage to trees during construction.
Chain link fence with posts driven into the ground is now required for all development proposals that require tree protection, including exceptional trees that overhang onto your property. This will help reduce accidental or intentional moving of tree protection fencing which can cause irreparable tree damage through soil compaction and disturbance, excavation, and other construction activities that may occur too close to the tree. See our tree & vegetation protection detail for more information.
In other tree news, we encourage all applicants, property owners, contractors, architects, developers, and arborists to reach out to us with any tree questions as early as possible when planning a project. We are here to answer questions early in the design process to determine which trees are code-protected and how to accommodate them. Our goal is to protect healthy trees and avoid costly and time-consuming changes later in the design process. You can contact us through the land use Q&A, by email, or by phone. If necessary, we can set up a virtual meeting to discuss potential or actual projects.
Deborah McGarry
deborah.mcgarry@seattle.gov
(206) 727-8624
Paul Humphries
paul.humphries@seattle.gov
(206) 733-9822
Trees increase property values and contribute to a healthier and more beautiful city. Thank you for continuing to protect trees during your development project and helping to maintain a robust urban forest in our community.