Have you ever seen a tree that looks like it's propped up on legs? The tree likely grew on debris or sprouted on a nurse log, rather than rooting directly in the ground.
This Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in the Lake City neighborhood in North Seattle had died and was going to be removed. It was possible to excavate around the roots and actually see the structure and nurse log. For 40-50 years, the nurse log provided ground cover and reduced soil erosion around the roots, even as the tree endured periodic flooding and moisture from Thornton Creek.
If you have questions about tree care and maintenance or want more information about a tree risk assessment, contact a professional arborist at Tree133.
If you live in Seattle, check out the Thornton Creek Alliance, a group working to restore Seattle's vital creek ecosystem.