Shoreline residents advocate for higher tree removal fees to protect large trees

Shoreline City Council is considering a significant update to its tree preservation code, which could have lasting implications for the community's urban forestry. During the recent meeting on March 3, 2025, discussions centered around proposed fee structures for tree removal and replacement, particularly focusing on large trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or greater.

The current fee of $33.25 applies when a public tree is removed by private residents or non-city entities. This fee also extends to developers or property owners who fail to replace removed trees on their properties. The funds collected from these fees are directed to the City Tree Fund, which supports the planting of new trees. However, concerns were raised about the long-term environmental benefits of large trees, which take 15 to 20 years to provide equivalent benefits once replaced.

Bonnie Berry, a Shoreline resident, advocated for a more robust fee structure, suggesting that the city should adopt Option 5 proposed by the Tree Preservation Code Team. This option starts at a known cost of $3,325 for the removal of large trees and increases by $100 for each additional inch of diameter. Berry criticized the staff's recommendation of Option 3, which is based on a lower valuation of tree benefits over time, arguing that it undervalues the true cost of planting and maintaining trees.

The council's decision on this matter will not only affect the financial aspects of tree removal but also the ecological health of Shoreline. As large trees provide significant environmental and health benefits, their preservation is crucial in the face of climate change. The council is expected to weigh these considerations carefully as they move forward with the tree preservation code revisions.