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Scots Pine Removal – West Seattle, WA Dead trees pose a significant hazard as they begin to deteriorate. Limbs become brittle and can break unexpectedly or the entire tree can fail near the base. Depending on the tree’s location, complete tree removal may be the best – or only – option to mitigate risk to people/structures. At this site, a new children’s play structure had been installed directly under this Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Completing this removal required advanced climbing and rigging to protect property and perform the work safely. The “drop zone” for material was small due to the playset location so we cut and carefully lowered manageable pieces. To manage the tree’s weakened condition, Tree133 utilized multiple rigging points to distribute loads throughout the tree canopy. With the dead tree gone, children can now safely use the play area and the family can once again enjoy their yard. Contact Tree133 to learn more about risk assessment and hazard tree removal. * This project was completed together with Michael Oxman.

Removal of Hollow Western Hemlock – Shoreline, WA Western Hemlocks (Tsuga heterophylla) are notorious for decay in the roots and lower trunk, caused by Heterobasidion annosum (annosus root rot) and other organisms. When the decay spreads, it becomes defused throughout the trunk and can cause sudden whole-tree failure resulting in property damage or injury. Declining limbs in the upper canopy are a common indicator of declining health and the need for a risk assessment. For this particular tree, we observed dead limbs in the mid-canopy and indications of decay in the lower trunk and root flare. To further investigate the condition of the trunk, we worked with Chris of Rippey Arboriculture LLC to perform sonic tomography and resistance drilling. The results identified significant interior decay and an elevated likelihood of failure. As the tree was adjacent to a residential street and high-voltage wires, the client wisely decided to have the tree removed. For safe access and maximum control, Tree133 utilized an articulated lift for this project. We also incorporated technical rigging to avoid the high-voltage wires and carefully lower cut material. Careful planning and using the right tools enabled Tree133 to complete the job safely and efficiently. Removing this Hemlock eliminated a significant hazard to the homeowner, their family and their neighborhood. The client was shocked to see the extent of decay in trunk wood and was grateful to have the tree removed safely. If you have concerns about trees on your property, contact Tree133  for a professional risk assessment .

Pacific Madrona Removal – Kirkland, WA The Pacific Madrona (Arbutus menziesii)  has one of the largest habitat ranges in North America. Populations of these unique trees are found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia down to Mexico. In Canada, they are referred to as Arbutus. Here in Washington, we call them Madrona. From Oregon south, they are commonly referred to as Madrone. These trees prefer the forest edge with a mixture of sun and shade. They do not tolerate dry sunny hillsides. Sadly, developers will often remove adjacent trees leaving a previously healthy Madrona exposed to the full sun. This leads to rapid decline and ultimately these trees must be removed. This particular project was challenging because the tree was located on a very steep hillside above and behind a newly constructed home. Further, the tree leaned toward and over the house. With limited access to the tree – and multiple steep slopes to negotiate – Tree133 solved the problem creatively with a controlled speed-line system. We used tensioned ropes to carefully maneuver branches over and around the house, and then land them over 150 ft away near the truck and chipper. The result was a challenging job completed safely and efficiently at a reasonable cost. Contact Tree133  to learn how we can provide an expert solution to preserve or remove trees on your property.

Removal of Hollow Lombardy Poplar – North Seattle, WA Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’)  trees can grow up to 150 feet tall. They are often planted in rows as “living walls” and privacy screens. Trees within the Populus genus, including Cottonwoods, Poplars and Aspen, are known for rapid growth and then rapid decline. This particular tree was located in a large cemetery in North Seattle. It had been previously pruned to remove dead limbs. The tree was declining further with newly dead limbs visible in the upper canopy. This type of dieback is often the result of root disease or decay. In mature trees, there may be significant decay in the lower trunk even though much of the canopy is still green. Like many trees in this genus, structural defects in Lombardy Poplars are easily overlooked when the tree “looks OK” to a casual observer. A member of the cemetery grounds crew noticed a small cavity (6 inches diameter) in the trunk and Tree133 was called for risk assessment  and mitigation. Our assessor quickly determined the lower trunk was hollow. Watch Craig's video for a closer look... The tree was over 44 inches diameter. However, the remaining “shell wall” thickness was less than 5 inches. This was compounded with significant decay in large roots close to the trunk. Together, these “red flags” indicated a hazard tree that needed to be removed promptly. Working in a cemetery requires great care with irreplaceable “targets” to protect – gravesites, fragile monuments and stone markers. The hazardous condition of this tree made it both unsafe to climb and unsuitable for technical rigging with ropes. We had a serious concern about whole-tree failure during the removal process. To perform the work safely, Tree133 utilized a large crane to carefully dismantle the tree. Rather than cutting and dropping pieces, the crane enabled us to “pick” large tree pieces and “fly” them to a designated landing area. The combination of Tree133’s extensive crane experience and clear communication with the crane operator made the project a success. Working together, our team successfully identified and eliminated a significant hazard for the cemetery and its visitors. All work was performed using safety best-practices to ensure the well-being of our crew and the public. If you are concerned about trees on your property, contact Tree133   for a professional risk assessment.

Hazard Reduction Pruning of Large Red Oak – Seattle, WA One of the largest and oldest Red Oaks (Quercus rubra) in the city of Seattle is rooted in a residential parking strip in Capitol Hill. With a trunk nearly 5 feet in diameter, this spectacular tree is nearly 120 years old. The massive canopy spreads over 100 feet across a busy city street and six residential properties. In 2016, the property closest to the base of the tree was redeveloped. The homeowner worked with their builder and the City of Seattle to construct the home as far from the tree as possible. Even with diligent efforts to protect the root structure and health of the tree, there was still some damage to the root zone which extended well beyond the canopy. Four years later, several large dead limbs were overhanging the house creating a hazard for the client, their home and neighboring properties. Many aspects of this jobsite were challenging. The canopy and work area spread over the busy street and both sidewalks. We also had to work in close proximity to roofs and large glass windows. With houses and formal landscaping below, it was nearly impossible to drop any cut material out of the tree. Given the location and size of this Oak, we knew this would be a difficult and time-consuming job to complete safely. For maximum public safety, we closed the sidewalk and brought additional team members. Then, a combination of careful climbing and an aerial lift in the street enabled us to work efficiently. While working aloft, extensive technical rigging was required to safely lower heavy material and prevent any impact to structures and landscaping. During the project, we successfully removed multiple large dead limbs that presented hazards to the new home, its occupants and neighbors. We also performed a thorough canopy inspection to identify and mitigate hazards not visible from the ground. Now, the client, their neighbors and Capitol Hill residents can safely enjoy this tree that has shaded the neighborhood for generations. Contact Tree133 for professional tree care and hazard mitigation services. * This project was completed together with Conservation Tree Care, Inc. Tree133 is based in North Seattle where we are fortunate to have a robust urban canopy and vibrant neighborhoods.

Analysis of Big Leaf Maple Failure – Kirkland, WA This Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) had failed before we arrived. The tree was located on a neighboring property. During a windstorm, a large limb fell and damaged the client’s fence. Making matters worse, the neighbor suggested our client had damaged the tree during a recent landscaping project and was therefore responsible. Tree133 was requested to evaluate the remaining tree and determine the actual cause of failure, to help with neighbor negotiations. As the limb had fallen several weeks prior to the site visit, the small debris had already been cleaned up and only large wood remained for inspection. The challenge was to determine cause of failure with limited evidence. During the site visit, we carefully inspected the condition of wood material on ground. We also reviewed pictures of debris, provided by client, and performed an assessment of the remaining tree. Through this process, we found the actual cause of failure. The evidence was clear and convincing for a knowledgeable arborist. The actual cause of failure was decay originating an old cut made when the neighbor removed another limb several years ago. Progression of that decay compromised the limb attachment and caused the failure that damaged the fence. Our assessment also identified other declining limbs and defects in the tree that presented further risk to both properties. Our findings were documented in a professional Arborist Report that enabled our client to obtain compensation for the fence repair and convince the neighbor to perform appropriate tree maintenance to reduce the risk to everyone. If you have trees with broken limbs, contact Tree133 for a risk assessment and quality tree care.

Assessment of Apple Tree with Large Tree House – Kenmore, WA Many years ago, the client began building a tree house in an old apple tree. The project evolved and it became a three-story structure with significant weight. Was the Apple tree healthy, stable and strong enough for this use? Tree133 was asked to inspect the tree and provide guidance. This was an unusual project because the tree house was built in a relatively small tree. The homeowner had some structural engineering knowledge, but limited experience with trees. Throughout construction, numerous pruning cuts were made which resulted in wounds and cavities in the tree. Further, the client used a variety of outdated methods to fill the cavities and “paint” the cuts. Tree133 performed a thorough inspection of the Apple tree, evaluating both health and stability. Based on this inspection, we advised the client on areas of concern and discussed options to reduce the load carried by the tree. We shared advice regarding proper care of tree cavities and pruning cuts. Filling cavities is detrimental and wound “paints” are unnecessary, often inhibiting the tree’s natural response growth. We also provided recommendations for protecting the root zone and maintaining proper irrigation. With this input, our client was empowered to better care for this important tree and enable his friends and family to continue enjoying this unique tree house. Contact Tree133  for professional tree risk assessment and tree care advice.

Damage Assessment for a Large Douglas-Fir – Lynnwood, WA An elementary school was in process of building a new science classroom. The excavation and construction occurred within the dripline of two large Douglas-Firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) that were each more than 30 inches diameter and over 100 feet tall. The term “dripline” describes the outer limit of branches and foliage. The area inside is the zone of greatest importance for tree health and stability. Root loss or damage within the dripline can have significant consequences for tree stability and long-term health. Several large roots were damaged during excavation, prior to construction. Now, the contractors were preparing to back-fill around the foundation and had a limited timeframe to address the situation. The school administration and contractor were concerned about negative impacts to the trees and risk to new classroom structure. They wondered, should the trees be retained or removed? Tree133 was contacted for a professional risk assessment and inspection of the damage. We promptly conducted a site visit with school administrators, engineers and contractors. It was fortunate the school could provide pictures of the site prior to construction. Beyond direct inspection of the mechanical damage to roots, these pictures helped us to determine the estimated root loss due to construction. Our assessment determined the root loss was minimal due to prior site conditions. Furthermore, we found the damage did not affect structural roots. We concluded these factors did not substantially increase the likelihood of failure and the trees could be reasonably retained on the site. Additionally, Tree133 provided recommendations to help the client modify landscaping and irrigation plans to improve growing conditions and promote root growth. All findings and recommendations were delivered in a comprehensive Arborist Report. If you are concerned about construction impacts for your trees, contact Tree133 for a site visit and professional risk assessment.

At TCI Expo 2019, Craig was invited into the the TreeStuff Micro Rigging Lab to demonstrate climbing and rigging concepts. Watch as he explains rigging systems to reduce force in the tree and improve climbing safety. Contact Tree133  for specialized technical services and arborist skills training.

We're excited to announce that Joanna Bachmann has joined the Tree133 team! Since our founding, Joanna has been supporting Craig and the family business from the sidelines - even learning some basic tree climbing skills and volunteering at tree industry events. We are excited to announce she has now joined Tree133 officially  as the Manager of Operations & Business Development. With proven experience as a sales trainer and manager, instructional designer, librarian and teacher, Joanna will wear many hats (or helmets) at Tree133. She's improving our systems, creating content and helping us grow the business. You may hear from Joanna as she helps us coordinate scheduling, meet her on a job site taking photos or see her out-and-about in North Seattle representing Tree133 at local events. We are excited to have her expertise and energy as a member of our team!

If you are a climbing arborist, when was the last time you inspected your gear? Is there something in your bag that needs to be retired or replaced? Craig was invited to chat with Tchukki Anderson at TCIA about gear inspection for tree care professionals. Follow this link to listen on your preferred platform. Craig and Tree133 are committed to sharing our knowledge to help fellow arborists improve skills and safety on the job. Submit a training inquiry  to learn how we can help improve skills for you and your crew.

In this March 2021 episode of the Tree Thinking podcast, Craig Bachmann talked with the team about the value of mentorship, the future of arboriculture as a profession and what it means to build a tree service company toward preservation, instead of the temptation of cash grab removals. Craig and Tree133 are committed to sharing our knowledge to help fellow arborists improve skills and safety on the job. Submit a training inquiry to learn how we can help improve skills for you and your crew.