anonyme
Mike is right on with his suggestion that you not just hire anyone who claims to be a “tree expert”.
Mark Harmon is awesome, but busy – and expensive. For pruning or diagnosis, I’d say spend the money. For removal, the important thing is that the company be licensed and bonded so that people and property are protected.
There are a couple of West Seattle based (?)arborists that come to mind, although I’m not sure if their rates are lower than Mark’s. They are Jason Mallett, Kathy Holzer (Out on a Limb) and Blooma Tree Experts.
An even more important question might be, does the tree REALLY need removal? Seattle’s urban tree cover has been decimated in the last 20 years. Beautiful, mature trees are being felled, often unnecessarily. Sometimes a good pruning or analysis by an arborist can solve issues and prevent the premature demise of a valuable asset.