Trees

Trees.  We love them or we hate them.  Most of us Love them!  Those that hate them probably have allergies.

There is a lot of controversy over trees.  The fact is that trees are a huge part of our earth's bio-filtering system.  They, along with all green plants, convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, but trees also filter water and atomize it for release to the atmosphere.  A large, very old Bigleaf Maple can put over 200 gallons worth of water molecules (H2O) an hour into the air through a process known as transpiration.  Studies have revealed that about 10 percent of the moisture found in the atmosphere is released by plants through transpiration.  Pure water, no pollution.

So, you can see that damaging or cutting down trees reduces the earths ability to filter and recycle potable water.  Here is a quote from the web site Water Woes; The Impending H2O Crisis:
"Of all the water on earth, nearly 98 percent is ocean saltwater. The other two percent?
     1.6 percent locked up in glaciers and polar ice caps
   0.36 percent located underground in aquifers and wells
   0.036 percent found in lakes and rivers
So, only a very limited amount of the planet’s water supply is consumable and reachable." 

Trees are extremely important to life on planet Earth.  It does matter if we cut even one (1) tree down!  Learning about how to care for trees should be a priority.  Snohomish County Public Utility has a very good tree guide to planting trees in appropriate places.

There is also tree law to consider.  There is a WAC concerning the removal of trees.  Many Cities and municipalities have formed their own stiffer trees codes to help protect the urban tree canopy.  Seattle tree law blazes the trail in this area with many new tree laws going into effect this year.

Here are some currently existing Washington State Tree Laws:  WAC 352-28-010.  Cutting, collection and removal of natural resources. "The cutting or removal of any significant trees in a natural area, natural forest area or natural area preserve shall, except in the case of emergency trees, be approved only by the director or designee and only after consultation with the Washington department of fish and wildlife"
RCW 64.12.030 Injury to or removing trees, etc. — Damages.
Whenever any person shall cut down, girdle, or otherwise injure, or carry off any tree...any judgment for the plaintiff shall be for treble the amount of damages claimed or assessed."

You see that cutting a tree on someone else’s property is a serious issue.  In Washington state the awards can lead to treble (3x) damages for replacement value of the tree or the value of the wood, whichever is greater.  The replacement value of the tree uses a formula that accounts for the Species of tree, the age, and the trunk circumference to calculate the estimated dollar value of the tree.  Judgments can be in the millions and for individual land owners.

Be aware that cities and municipalities use this same formula to fine land owners if they violate local tree ordinances.  It is a good idea to check first before you remove any trees from your property.

Whose job is it to keep the sidewalks clear of vegetation?

It is your job if you are the property owner or manager!  RCW 35.21.310 Removal of overhanging or obstructing vegetation — Removal, destroying debris; "The ordinance may provide that if such removal or destruction (of vegetation) is not made by the owner after notice given as required by the ordinance in any of the above cases, that the city or town will cause the removal or destruction thereof and may also provide that the cost to the city or town shall become a charge against the owner of the property and a lien against the property."  This code allows each city or municipality to form their own code and enforce it.  Every city has an "owner must clear right-of-way code."  Check on-line or at the library to find out what applies to your area.

By Washington State  Law, RCW 17.10.140, invasive or noxious weeds listed by the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board must be removed or controlled.

Knotweed, Blackberry and Scotch Broom are peaking and should be cut back if it hasn't been done already.  Check with your Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board for the top 50 invasive species list for methods of control and removal.

There are many reputable companies that practice sound IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and (IVM) Integrated Vegetation Management that can help you out.

If you are interested in getting more involved with vegetation management in Snohomish County there is a program called VegMon Snohomish County Surface Water Management you can participate in call 425-388-3464 and ask for the Vegetation Monitoring Program.

Shelf Fungus

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