What happened to the "Astra" tree
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Developers cut down "Astra," a 100-year-old western red cedar, in October after months of controversy. Photos: Courtesy of Tree Action Seattle
Developers legally cut down a 100-year-old western red cedar known as "Astra" last month after a months-long saga involving the tree, according to the city.
Why it matters: The tree's removal highlights ongoing tension between urban growth and tree protection in Seattle, as the city aims to balance the need for housing developments with impacts to its vanishing green canopy.
Catch up quick: The tree became a focal point earlier this year when developers for the property at 3003 Northeast 88th St. in the Wedgewood neighborhood submitted a request to remove it, as required by the city's tree ordinance, in order to build a single family house and an ADU. That prompted protests by an urban tree advocacy group.
- In February, a city investigation into a complaint that someone damaged the tree determined the tree had been "girdled" by cutting a ring around its bark, according to Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections spokesperson Bryan Stevens.
- The department sent a notice of violation to the property owner and developers, holding them responsible and assessing more than $200,000 in civil penalties, Stevens said in an email to Axios.
The other side: The developer group requested a review of the city's notice, per Stevens, and the city sustained it, giving them more time to pay the penalty and submit a plan to restore the tree.
- After they failed to do so, per court documents, the city filed a lawsuit and the parties eventually settled for a final penalty of about $58,000.
- Requests for comment left with three of the developers were not returned. A fourth developer declined to comment.
- The city's complaint notes the owner and general contractor for the property "denied cutting the tree."
The latest: The city issued a construction permit on Oct. 2 for the removal of the tree and of an existing home on the property, per Stevens.
- Its removal was approved because the tree would have prevented the property from meeting zoning rules allowing 35% of the lot to be developed, he said.
- Developers cut down the tree at the end of October.
What they're saying: Trees are not as protected under the city's tree ordinance as people might think, Sandy Shettler of Tree Action Seattle told Axios.
- "Astra is a wake-up call."