In case you wondered too: Seattle City Light tree trimming

| Utilities | West Seattle news

That’s a screengrab from a Seattle City Light map showing where it’s currently trimming back trees that are close to power lines. We received a call from a concerned reader about major trimming happening along California in South Admiral, so we checked, and learned about the map. As noted in the past, City Light’s pruning work can sometimes appear to be dramatic; this page explains the standards to which they trim to try to reduce tree/line conflicts, which are to blame for many power outages.

(Added: WSB photo)

If they have to cut a tree that’s on your property, you’re supposed to get advance notice. (And yes, there have been past problems – so contact the utility if you think a crew is going beyond the published standards.)

Marcus August 7, 2023 (3:52 pm)

Got to trim those trees that interfere with power lines. Not only are power outages costly for business and customers, lines on the ground can remain energized and provide extreme danger to anyone who contacts such downed power lines. Always assume downed power lines are HOT and lethal.

anonyme August 8, 2023 (6:25 am)

The so-called ‘pruning’ I’ve seen done by SPU is not done to arborist’s standards and is certainly not done with the health or the appearance of trees in mind. Part of the problem is the reliance on SDOT and their contracted tree companies, both of which fail when it comes to tree selection and installation. Species of street trees are planted by SDOT despite being on their own ‘do not recommend’ list for street trees. I know contractors who have bragged about planting inappropriate trees, knowing that they will have to be removed and replaced in the not-too-distant future – and that they have the contract to do it. It’s self-serving. Anyone who takes all the talk about increasing tree cover seriously is delusional. With mindful selection and care, all this butchery could be avoided.

skeptical August 9, 2023 (9:02 am)

If what anonyme claims to be true, please share the location of these trees that “contractors have bragged” about planting inappropriately?
- anonyme August 9, 2023 (12:31 pm)
  
  It was 15 years ago and before I retired, and I don’t think I was told a specific location. It was chat among arborists. However, I can give you an example that I witnessed within the last few years, which involved the sidewalk project on 35th between 100th & 106th. Street trees were added as part of this project, with red oaks planted on 3 ft. wide planting strips. SDOT’s regulations require 6-8 ft wide strips for these trees, as they get huge. Due to poor planning, many more street trees were planted on the private property edge of the sidewalk instead of the planting strips. Lots of trees were squeezed into these little spaces, which imposed on the private lots and crossed property lines even when first planted. As they mature, removal will be required as they take out fences and heave the sidewalks they’re planted way too close to. Others were planted without regard to their location directly under existing trees, some touching even as saplings. Be ‘skeptical’ if you want, but if you actually know anything at all about trees, just open your eyes to see the poor choices being made.
  - Little August 11, 2023 (8:08 pm)
    
    We’re in such a pickle with trees that have outgrown their location, I’ve always wondered why. Wish you could get the word out and educate the public! Rhetoric does not equal science, facts, and good planning. We should know better.

Mellow Kitty August 8, 2023 (9:10 am)

I get that they have to trim the trees. Do they have to do a hack job and nearly top the trees though? It’s going to be really hard for the trees to recover – if they even can.

WS Guy August 8, 2023 (9:39 am)

We should start undergrounding our lines over the next decades. It’s more aesthetic, safer, creates jobs, and saves trees.

BlairJ August 10, 2023 (5:08 pm)

I would like to see the utilities undergrounded too. But several years ago I heard it was an average of $30,000 per house to do that. Probably much more than that now. And a group of contiguous property owners over an area of a few blocks need to unanimously agree to the cost.

RJB August 8, 2023 (11:00 am)

These have been trimmed across the street from us…just decided to “look” to see if these are done. WOW, all I can say is wow.

Tired of the BS August 10, 2023 (10:50 am)

It’s interesting that all the trees listed on the Seattle tree map which are planted in the planting strips are listed as “owner: private” where the owner is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep to include sidewalk repair. I’ve already cut the roots back from the water meter in the planting strip and the roots in my front yard proper, however if you want the tree to be removed, you must get permission from the city. Sounds a lot like overreach to me…

K August 10, 2023 (6:14 pm)

You are already responsible for maintaining the building on your property and must get permission from the city (a permit) to remove or alter the structure. Why is it overreach to also have rules for trees? Especially in an area with steep slopes, which trees and other vegetation help hold in place?

Jij August 10, 2023 (9:37 pm)

If everyone is unhappy about the tree cutting then you should take responsibility and care of your own trees. Don’t forget to fix your sidewalks also so . Sure could save alot of injuries. The cure to unhappiness is to fix it yourself. You don’t pay you have no say.

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