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Removal of Hollow Lombardy Poplar – North Seattle, WA Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’)  trees can grow up to 150 feet tall. They are often planted in rows as “living walls” and privacy screens. Trees within the Populus genus, including Cottonwoods, Poplars and Aspen, are known for rapid growth and then rapid decline. This particular tree was located in a large cemetery in North Seattle. It had been previously pruned to remove dead limbs. The tree was declining further with newly dead limbs visible in the upper canopy. This type of dieback is often the result of root disease or decay. In mature trees, there may be significant decay in the lower trunk even though much of the canopy is still green. Like many trees in this genus, structural defects in Lombardy Poplars are easily overlooked when the tree “looks OK” to a casual observer. A member of the cemetery grounds crew noticed a small cavity (6 inches diameter) in the trunk and Tree133 was called for risk assessment  and mitigation. Our assessor quickly determined the lower trunk was hollow. Watch Craig's video for a closer look... The tree was over 44 inches diameter. However, the remaining “shell wall” thickness was less than 5 inches. This was compounded with significant decay in large roots close to the trunk. Together, these “red flags” indicated a hazard tree that needed to be removed promptly. Working in a cemetery requires great care with irreplaceable “targets” to protect – gravesites, fragile monuments and stone markers. The hazardous condition of this tree made it both unsafe to climb and unsuitable for technical rigging with ropes. We had a serious concern about whole-tree failure during the removal process. To perform the work safely, Tree133 utilized a large crane to carefully dismantle the tree. Rather than cutting and dropping pieces, the crane enabled us to “pick” large tree pieces and “fly” them to a designated landing area. The combination of Tree133’s extensive crane experience and clear communication with the crane operator made the project a success. Working together, our team successfully identified and eliminated a significant hazard for the cemetery and its visitors. All work was performed using safety best-practices to ensure the well-being of our crew and the public. If you are concerned about trees on your property, contact Tree133   for a professional risk assessment.

Assessment of Apple Tree with Large Tree House – Kenmore, WA Many years ago, the client began building a tree house in an old apple tree. The project evolved and it became a three-story structure with significant weight. Was the Apple tree healthy, stable and strong enough for this use? Tree133 was asked to inspect the tree and provide guidance. This was an unusual project because the tree house was built in a relatively small tree. The homeowner had some structural engineering knowledge, but limited experience with trees. Throughout construction, numerous pruning cuts were made which resulted in wounds and cavities in the tree. Further, the client used a variety of outdated methods to fill the cavities and “paint” the cuts. Tree133 performed a thorough inspection of the Apple tree, evaluating both health and stability. Based on this inspection, we advised the client on areas of concern and discussed options to reduce the load carried by the tree. We shared advice regarding proper care of tree cavities and pruning cuts. Filling cavities is detrimental and wound “paints” are unnecessary, often inhibiting the tree’s natural response growth. We also provided recommendations for protecting the root zone and maintaining proper irrigation. With this input, our client was empowered to better care for this important tree and enable his friends and family to continue enjoying this unique tree house. Contact Tree133  for professional tree risk assessment and tree care advice.

While trimming small trees in the yard may seem like a simple DIY project, pruning is much more than simply sawing off limbs or giving the tree a "haircut" by removing outer foliage. If too much live tissue is removed, an otherwise healthy tree can become stressed or decline. Proper pruning is based on the scientific principles of plant physiology. It promotes beneficial growth, improves plant health, removes damaged limbs and can increase flower and fruit production (if desired). Together, these benefits enhance the aesthetic appeal of your tree and add value to your property. At Tree133, we use scientifically sound practices to improve tree structure and promote long-term health. We follow best practices from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A300) regarding pruning methods, techniques and even the tools we use. Our Certified Arborists follow ANSI standards in all aspects of our work. We are careful to: Retain foliage to protect tree health Preserve branching structure to promote strength and resilience Protect other parts of the tree during pruning Use only non-invasive climbing techniques (no spikes) for pruning Effective pruning requires combination of scientific knowledge and practical experience. It can feel overwhelming to those not familiar with the techniques. Here at Tree133, we can answer your questions and work with you to determine the best approach to care for your trees. Click here to contact us today ! Before Katsura after pruning

Birds, insects and small mammals all use trees for nests, nurseries, storage areas, foraging, roosting, and perching. If a tree needs to be removed, rather than cutting it to the ground, it may be possible to retain valuable habitat with a snag. In this video, Karsten  explains how arborists help preserve urban wildlife habitat, imitate wood breaks that happen naturally and create bird boxes to provide nesting cavities. Want to learn more about snag trees? Living with Wildlife  is an excellent resource from the PNW ISA and Plant Amnesty. Are you curious about what birds you might see in your yard and neighborhood? For those living in Washington State, Seattle Audubon provides an Online Guide to the Birds of Washington State    Everyone at Tree133 cares deeply about preserving trees and promoting a healthy urban forest. If you have questions about trees in your landscape, contact a professional arborist at Tree133

In this webinar for professional arborists, Craig Bachmann reviews proper cutting techniques and angles. Contact Tree133  for specialized technical services and arborist skills training.

If you are a climbing arborist, when was the last time you inspected your gear? Is there something in your bag that needs to be retired or replaced? Craig was invited to chat with Tchukki Anderson at TCIA about gear inspection for tree care professionals. Follow this link to listen on your preferred platform. Craig and Tree133 are committed to sharing our knowledge to help fellow arborists improve skills and safety on the job. Submit a training inquiry  to learn how we can help improve skills for you and your crew.

Two common "defects" in large conifers are codominant structure – multiple competing tops – and the development of "overextended" limbs beyond the natural canopy shape. Both of these increase the likelihood of a large failure and resulting consequences. However, there are proven methods to manage these conditions and provide peace of mind for homeowners. Subordination Pruning This technique for managing codominant structure “slows down” the growth of one leader and promotes dominance in the other. By intentionally removing the the top of one leader with a carefully placed pruning cut (3-4 inches diameter). This type of gentle subordination will encourage the tree to naturally direct energy into the taller remaining top. Please note: this is not the same as "topping" a tree. Topping is simply a term for over pruning with large cuts that cause structural decay and lead to the development of poorly attached branches. Canopy Reduction The proven strategy to manage overextended limbs is reduction pruning. With this technique, the length and end-weight of large limbs are reduced by 15-20%. This “shortens the lever arm” and directly reduces the likelihood of failure. Targeted pruning at the end of the limb, using cuts up to 3 inches in diameter, promotes rapid wound closure. Retaining interior foliage protects tree health and encourages lateral growth, rather than extension. Please note : canopy reduction is very different from the antiquated practice of “wind thinning” or "windsailing" of conifers. These detrimental practices remove entire branches with the intention of allowing wind to pass through the tree. There is no scientific basis for this practice. Removing entire limbs actually promotes development of longer, larger limbs that are more likely to fail and more damaging when that happens. Cable Support Systems In codominant trees, limbs and foliage tend to grow outward on each stem and naturally create leverage. This generates outward force on the point of attachment. Further, narrow "v-shape" unions between codominant stems are significantly weaker compared to more open "u-shaped" unions. These factors increase the likelihood of failure at codominant unions. Subordination and/or canopy reduction pruning is the first step to mitigate this risk. Installation of a cable support system provides a higher level of protection which is particularly valuable when the tree is located near significant targets (e.g. structures, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) If you have questions or concerns about large conifers on your property, contact Tree133 .

Pacific Madrona Removal – Kirkland, WA The Pacific Madrona (Arbutus menziesii)  has one of the largest habitat ranges in North America. Populations of these unique trees are found along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia down to Mexico. In Canada, they are referred to as Arbutus. Here in Washington, we call them Madrona. From Oregon south, they are commonly referred to as Madrone. These trees prefer the forest edge with a mixture of sun and shade. They do not tolerate dry sunny hillsides. Sadly, developers will often remove adjacent trees leaving a previously healthy Madrona exposed to the full sun. This leads to rapid decline and ultimately these trees must be removed. This particular project was challenging because the tree was located on a very steep hillside above and behind a newly constructed home. Further, the tree leaned toward and over the house. With limited access to the tree – and multiple steep slopes to negotiate – Tree133 solved the problem creatively with a controlled speed-line system. We used tensioned ropes to carefully maneuver branches over and around the house, and then land them over 150 ft away near the truck and chipper. The result was a challenging job completed safely and efficiently at a reasonable cost. Contact Tree133  to learn how we can provide an expert solution to preserve or remove trees on your property.

Scots Pine Removal – West Seattle, WA Dead trees pose a significant hazard as they begin to deteriorate. Limbs become brittle and can break unexpectedly or the entire tree can fail near the base. Depending on the tree’s location, complete tree removal may be the best – or only – option to mitigate risk to people/structures. At this site, a new children’s play structure had been installed directly under this Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) . Completing this removal required advanced climbing and rigging to protect property and perform the work safely. The “drop zone” for material was small due to the playset location so we cut and carefully lowered manageable pieces. To manage the tree’s weakened condition, Tree133 utilized multiple rigging points to distribute loads throughout the tree canopy. With the dead tree gone, children can again safely use the play area and the family can once again enjoy their yard. Contact Tree133  to learn more about risk assessment   and hazard tree removal. * This project completed together with Michael Oxman.

Scots Pine Removal – West Seattle, WA Dead trees pose a significant hazard as they begin to deteriorate. Limbs become brittle and can break unexpectedly or the entire tree can fail near the base. Depending on the tree’s location, complete tree removal may be the best – or only – option to mitigate risk to people/structures. At this site, a new children’s play structure had been installed directly under this Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Completing this removal required advanced climbing and rigging to protect property and perform the work safely. The “drop zone” for material was small due to the playset location so we cut and carefully lowered manageable pieces. To manage the tree’s weakened condition, Tree133 utilized multiple rigging points to distribute loads throughout the tree canopy. With the dead tree gone, children can now safely use the play area and the family can once again enjoy their yard. Contact Tree133 to learn more about risk assessment and hazard tree removal. * This project was completed together with Michael Oxman.

If you live in or around Seattle, you might have seen our "big blue truck" and maybe our dog, Jack - he's the best "backseat driver" in the crew. The truck has served us well... but even with outstanding service and maintenance from the experts at Jeff's Auto - Sandpoint , it is time to retire this 16-year-old workhorse. So... We have just acquired a "new-to-us" truck. While it looks a bit burlier than planned, it provides Tree133 with the power and reliability we need to pull our work trailer on the steepest Seattle streets. Thanks to the pros at McNamara Signs , the new truck is easy to spot on the road and at the job site. For professional tree care service - or to meet Jack - contact Tree133 .

Have you ever seen a tree that looks like it's propped up on legs? The tree likely grew on debris or sprouted on a nurse log, rather than rooting directly in the ground. This Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)  in the Lake City neighborhood in North Seattle had died and was going to be removed. It was possible to excavate around the roots and actually see the structure and nurse log. For 40-50 years, the nurse log provided ground cover and reduced soil erosion around the roots, even as the tree endured periodic flooding and moisture from Thornton Creek. If you have questions about tree care and maintenance or want more information about a tree risk assessment, contact a professional arborist at Tree133 . If you live in Seattle, check out the Thornton Creek Alliance , a group working to restore Seattle's vital creek ecosystem.