A massive century-old sequoia in Seattle’s Green Lake neighborhood is at risk of being removed as part of plans to redevelop the property where it stands. The giant tree, believed by activists to be the largest sequoia on private property in the city, could soon be uprooted to make way for new construction, sparking a fierce debate about preservation and development.

A Century-Old Tree on the Chopping Block

The towering sequoia, which has likely stood for over a century, currently sits on a property along N Woodlawn Ave in Seattle’s Greenlake neighborhood. Its future is now uncertain, as the property owner plans to demolish the existing home and rebuild. The City of Seattle has approved the removal of the sequoia, along with 12 other trees on the property, as part of the redevelopment plan.

Activists Push for Tree Relocation

Local activists are fighting to save the tree despite the city’s approval for its removal. They are proposing a plan to relocate the sequoia to a nearby park, allowing the community to continue enjoying the tree’s beauty and environmental benefits. Kim Butler, an advocate for preserving the tree, argued, “This tree offers great value to our community as a whole and all of us in the city of Seattle.”

Feasibility of Relocating the Tree

Discussions about relocating the tree are ongoing, with Seattle Parks and Recreation involved in assessing the feasibility and costs of the move. However, the property owner has expressed concerns about the practicality of relocating the tree, citing its large size and the impact on the property. The builder has stated that moving the tree is unfeasible but is willing to fund the planting of a new sequoia in the Green Lake area if the city prefers that option.

The Tree’s Role in the Community

The tree’s supporters emphasize its critical role in the environment, especially as Seattle faces increasing urban density. Sandy Shettler of Tree Action Seattle pointed out that sequoias are some of the most climate-resilient trees, capable of filtering stormwater and producing oxygen. “These are all things that we need, especially as we densify,” Shettler said. “We need to add housing and keep our trees.”

Sewer Line Issues & Property Challenges

The property owner has cited practical concerns in their argument for removing the sequoia. According to the owner, the tree’s roots are encroaching on sewer lines and pushing out a bulkhead, making the property unfit for development if the tree remains. These issues have prompted the owner to pursue the tree’s removal as part of the redevelopment plans.

Activists Rally Behind “Grace” the Sequoia

In response to the looming removal, activists have rallied around the tree, affectionately named “Grace.” A petition to save the tree has gathered nearly 2,000 signatures, with supporters unfurling a scroll of signatures down the steps of Seattle City Hall. The petition calls on city officials to reverse their decision and save Grace from removal.

Seattle’s Tree Protection Ordinance Under Scrutiny

Seattle’s current tree ordinance, passed in 2023, allows for the removal of large, established trees if they hinder development. Construction on the lot often becomes unfeasible due to the city’s “basic tree protection area” provision, which establishes the unaffected space around a tree. This provision has led to conflicts between developers and tree preservationists, as seen with the sequoia in Greenlake.

A Battle Between Development & Preservation

The situation with the sequoia highlights the broader debate in Seattle between the need for increased housing and the desire to protect the city’s iconic trees. While development pressures continue to grow, many residents and environmental groups argue that the city must find ways to balance both priorities to preserve its natural beauty and promote sustainable urban growth.