Board grants appeal to remove two heritage liquid-amber trees at 573 Carla Court after safety and structure concerns

The Urban Forestry Board on April 9, 2025 granted a homeowner's appeal and authorized removal of two heritage liquid-amber trees at 573 Carla Court, finding that the trees''maturity, shape and structure in that location no longer met the criteria for mandatory preservation.

The appellant, whose family moved to the house in late 2021, presented three incidents of large limb failures (January 12, 2023; March 14, 2023; and October 20, 2024), including one event captured by a doorbell camera that showed multiple large limbs falling within seconds. The homeowner said repeated limb failures — including one that struck a vehicle — posed an ongoing safety risk. "I was walking on the driveway 10 minutes before the limbs dropped," the appellant said, describing the most recent event.

Staff assessment and Board deliberation: City staff and the Urban Forest Manager, Russ Hansen, documented prior limb failures but rated the trees as generally "good health and good structure." Staff advised that the trees could be managed through pruning and that not all limb-failure risk could be eliminated even with careful work. Staff also noted the trees are planted unusually close together and one had been previously heavily pruned, which limited interior growth and resilience.

After substantial discussion about the trees' condition, neighborhood character and public safety, the Board concluded the removal criteria in the municipal code could be met in this circumstances. Commissioners referenced Municipal Code Section 32.35 in their deliberations and debated the balance between preserving canopy and mitigating localized safety risks. Several commissioners said the cedar on the prior agenda item and other trees in the meeting were worth preserving, but this specific pair at Carla Court presented a different case.

Board action: A motion to grant the appeal under Municipal Code §32.35 (finding the trees' maturity and shape/structure did not meet the preservation standard in this location) passed on roll call (Commissioner Bridal: no; Commissioner Filios: yes; Commissioner Summer: yes; Vice Chair Michener: yes; Chair Davis: no). The motion carried 3-2. The Board recommended that replacement trees be planted as determined by the Director in consultation with the City arborist.

Next steps: The Board's action authorizes removal under conditions the Director will set, including replacement requirements. Staff noted that replacement species, quantity and size will be determined according to the code and the arborist's recommendation. The homeowner may move forward with removal once required permits and conditions are satisfied.