Comments on: DELRIDGE TREE TAKEDOWN: ‘Heartbreaking decision,’ says owner

By: Michael Gilmore

Michael Gilmore — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 03:11:00 +0000

I saw this today for the first time and gasped. I've only lived here in Delridge for two years but I've loved that tree from afar.

I also think it's totally, absolutely remarkable what kind of community we have. Not ONLY do we have loving and caring homeowners who risk their house's foundations and pipes to protect a beautiful tree, not ONLY do we have an amazing blog that covers local happenings, from murders to small business openings to tree fellings, not ONLY do we have these things above, but we have 50+ people sharing their memories and observations and general sadness over its loss, with loving empathy for the owners who had to make the tough decision.

Sometimes I'm heart broken about what is happening "to our society" at the national level, but then I remember, what happens closest to us is what really matters. And I'm so, so lucky and privileged to live in a neighborhood-- a COMMUNITY-- as great as this one.

By: Peter & Stephanie

Peter & Stephanie — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 02:43:54 +0000

Jodie Optiz, thank you for letting the community know. We've lived in WS for 14 years and the cherry was an icon for us. We waited patiently every March to see when the first flowers would bud. Our grumbling cranky drive home from the zoo in the evenings was capped by seeing the cherry in her full glory. We loved it as much as you did. We are sorry to see it go but know you were a caring and loving steward for her life. We share your pain and sorrow. We will cherish the memories as we are sure you will to. Looking forward to the new tree that will grace the spot.

Sincerely, your attentive neighbors at Duwamish Cohousing.

By: D

Sun, 18 Mar 2018 16:33:55 +0000

Thank you WSB for sharing this. These news stories make west seattle feel like a small town. I’ve always loved seeing that tree in bloom every year.

By: j

Sun, 18 Mar 2018 15:52:47 +0000

One of the best trees in Seattle!!!

Too bad!

There are some more beautiful weeping cherries that are decent size by a school (not sure name) in Highland Park. The trees in Highland Park are nowhere near the age and beauty of the specimen tree on The Del. but they are mature and beautiful just the same. Plus there are several there if I remember correctly. Haven't been by in a while.

By: alkigranny

alkigranny — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 04:29:01 +0000

In reply to West Seattle Hipster. Finally, a reality focus here. It was a tree!!!!!!!

By: alkigranny

alkigranny — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 04:14:58 +0000

In reply to WSB. For years, I could not get city permission to take down a tree on my property in West Seattle. I needed to prove it was rotten and I just didn’t have the financial means to do so. But, good ol’ Mother Nature decided to intervene on my behalf during a violent windstorm. Not only did I get a new deck, shed and landscaping (courtesy of homeowner’s insurance) but the city paid my deductible. How’s that for karma? Sometimes too many greedy city ordinances and codes requiring a permit (at homeowner’s expense) are not always a good thing.

By: Delridge commuter

Delridge commuter — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 00:00:01 +0000

I was always amazed that tree lasted as long as it did. It was beautiful and I understand the decision to cut it down. We are cutting down an old apple for the same reason. Thanks to the West Seattle Blog for reporting and the owner for letting us know.

By: chemist

chemist — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 07:00:58 +0000

In reply to property watcher. Actually, both properties to the north look to have gone through late 2017 sales/transfers to Julie and Jodi Optiz. Parcels 788150-0285 and 788150-0295. All are NC1-40 zoned too.

By: South Delridge Gal

South Delridge Gal — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 04:49:02 +0000

Cheers to that beautiful old tree! I certainly did enjoy looking at it over the past 8 years.

By: AMD

AMD — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 03:33:46 +0000

In reply to Juliette.

Blooming adds weight to the branches of the tree. If it's already dangerous due to its condition, any additional weight increases the chances of failure and damage or injury.

I'm also the owner of a gorgeous (but flawed) tree that I'm working with an arborist to keep healthy and low-hazard. He recommended doing the trimming and other work before it bloomed for that reason. So that's my guess on this property too.

By: alyca

alyca — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 02:37:03 +0000

I live a few blocks away and have always admired this tree, especially the few weeks a year when it blooms. It has always looked like a lot of work with all the shedding it does.. (picture from March 2016)

By: fiz

fiz — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 02:30:56 +0000

In reply to Ron Swanson. We have spent thousands to maintain and nurture an ancient and unique tree. And I can tell that when its time has come I will not put out notice for ya'all to come hug it and kiss it goodbye. Not after reading this thread.

By: J

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:53:56 +0000

In reply to Juliette. Are you joking?

By: MaryV

MaryV — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 22:55:54 +0000

I luv these flowering cherry trees but look at that thing from the google pic…it’s a monster when it’s in full leafed out glory you can’t even see their front door! Someone could break-in and no one would even know it.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 22:35:58 +0000

In response to someone looking for an arborist, we have enjoyed using Blue Ribbon Tree at 844-643-3328. We had problem trees and were at a loss what to do. They helped us make a decision and then helped us put trees back in their place. They have helped others we know, and always the very best. Hope this helps.