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Hemlock Removal & Maple Reduction – Vashon Island, WA Until we saw this scenario first-hand, it was very difficult to envision… a failed Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) lodged against a tree house in a Big leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum). Even after completing the work, it’s still hard to describe. The tree house was frequently used by the client’s children, and the declining Maple was already a concern. The tree was in severe decline with more than half of the canopy dead. Typically, Maple limbs deteriorate rapidly and are prone to sudden failure. This existing hazard was compounded by the newly failed Hemlock putting pressure on the Maple and directly on the tree house itself. To address the situation and make the area safe for children, we stabilized the Hemlock with rigging lines and carefully removed it from the Maple tree. Next, we significantly reduced the Maple’s declining canopy to create a wildlife habitat snag. Retaining this snag will provide great perching and nesting habitat for native birds and a great outdoor learning opportunity for the client’s children. Contact Tree133 for help removing hazard trees and creating wildlife snags on your property. * This project completed together with Michelle Ramsden.

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 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.

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.

Tree133 has worked on this beautiful laceleaf maple (Acer palmatum) for the past few years. In fall of 2019, we removed dead/decaying foliage and interior deadwood as well as a few damaged interior limbs (abraded by other branches). That first phase greatly improved the tree’s appearance and we noticed better foliage condition the following spring. This January, we performed light raising and thinning to improve light/airflow throughout the canopy and expose a bit of the interior branch architecture. This pruning phase removed 5-10% of live foliage using cuts up to 1/2-inch diameter. We are fortunate to have this tree in our neighborhood and enjoy watching its response to each stage of pruning.

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 again 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 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 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 successfully lower carefully lower cut material. Careful planning and using the right tools enabled Tree133 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.

In this webinar for tree care professionals, Craig offers techniques for proper work positioning along with tips on making your tree climbing experience safer and easier. To learn more about professional training support for your team, contact Tree133 today ! Recorded on 5/29/20 at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle, WA.

If you live in or around Seattle, you might have seen our "big blue truck" and maybe our dog, Jack - he's the best "backseat driver" in the crew. The truck has served us well... but even with outstanding service and maintenance from the experts at Jeff's Auto - Sandpoint , it is time to retire this 16-year-old workhorse. So... We have just acquired a "new-to-us" truck. While it looks a bit burlier than planned, it provides Tree133 with the power and reliability we need to pull our work trailer on the steepest Seattle streets. Thanks to the pros at McNamara Signs , the new truck is easy to spot on the road and at the job site. For professional tree care service - or to meet Jack - contact Tree133 .

In this webinar for professional arborists, Craig Bachmann reviews proper cutting techniques and angles. Contact Tree133 for specialized technical services and arborist skills training.

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.