Removal of Hollow Western Hemlock – Shoreline, WA Western Hemlocks (Tsuga heterophylla) are notorious for decay in the roots and lower trunk, caused by Heterobasidion annosum (annosus root rot) and other organisms. When the decay spreads, it becomes defused throughout the trunk and can cause sudden whole-tree failure resulting in property damage or injury. Declining limbs in the upper canopy are a common indicator of declining health and the need for a risk assessment. For this particular tree, we observed dead limbs in the mid-canopy and indications of decay in the lower trunk and root flare. To further investigate the condition of the trunk, we worked with Chris of Rippey Arboriculture LLC to perform sonic tomography and resistance drilling. The results identified significant interior decay and an elevated likelihood of failure. As the tree was adjacent to a residential street and high-voltage wires, the client wisely decided to have the tree removed. For safe access and maximum control, Tree133 utilized an articulated lift for this project. We also incorporated technical rigging to avoid the high-voltage wires and carefully lower cut material. Careful planning and using the right tools enabled Tree133 to complete the job safely and efficiently. Removing this Hemlock eliminated a significant hazard to the homeowner, their family and their neighborhood. The client was shocked to see the extent of decay in trunk wood and was grateful to have the tree removed safely. If you have concerns about trees on your property, contact Tree133  for a professional risk assessment .

Analysis of Big Leaf Maple Failure – Kirkland, WA This Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) had failed before we arrived. The tree was located on a neighboring property. During a windstorm, a large limb fell and damaged the client’s fence. Making matters worse, the neighbor suggested our client had damaged the tree during a recent landscaping project and was therefore responsible. Tree133 was requested to evaluate the remaining tree and determine the actual cause of failure, to help with neighbor negotiations. As the limb had fallen several weeks prior to the site visit, the small debris had already been cleaned up and only large wood remained for inspection. The challenge was to determine cause of failure with limited evidence. During the site visit, we carefully inspected the condition of wood material on ground. We also reviewed pictures of debris, provided by client, and performed an assessment of the remaining tree. Through this process, we found the actual cause of failure. The evidence was clear and convincing for a knowledgeable arborist. The actual cause of failure was decay originating an old cut made when the neighbor removed another limb several years ago. Progression of that decay compromised the limb attachment and caused the failure that damaged the fence. Our assessment also identified other declining limbs and defects in the tree that presented further risk to both properties. Our findings were documented in a professional Arborist Report that enabled our client to obtain compensation for the fence repair and convince the neighbor to perform appropriate tree maintenance to reduce the risk to everyone. If you have trees with broken limbs, contact Tree133 for a risk assessment and quality tree care.

We're excited to announce that Joanna Bachmann has joined the Tree133 team! Since our founding, Joanna has been supporting Craig and the family business from the sidelines - even learning some basic tree climbing skills and volunteering at tree industry events. We are excited to announce she has now joined Tree133 officially  as the Manager of Operations & Business Development. With proven experience as a sales trainer and manager, instructional designer, librarian and teacher, Joanna will wear many hats (or helmets) at Tree133. She's improving our systems, creating content and helping us grow the business. You may hear from Joanna as she helps us coordinate scheduling, meet her on a job site taking photos or see her out-and-about in North Seattle representing Tree133 at local events. We are excited to have her expertise and energy as a member of our team!

A canopy anchor is a climbing system that anchors the rope in the canopy of a tree. While a moving rope system (MRS) typically uses a canopy anchor (or tie-in point), a stationary rope system (SRS) creates the option of a canopy or basal anchor. Why would we use a canopy anchor? When is it better than using a basal anchor?   Read the rest of the printed article  in the March Issue of TCI Magazine Craig Bachmann is a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ Certified Tree Worker – Climber Specialist and an experienced safety/skills trainer. He is also an event head judge for the International Tree Climbing Championship . Tree133 is a TCIA member tree care company and Craig regularly speaks at industry events and conferences.

Check out Craig's newest article for tree care professionals in this month's TCI Magazine: Thinking Critically About Life Safety Carabiners. Additional articles and podcasts from Craig: Climbing Gear: A Growing Risk to Tree Companies   Importance of Equipment Inspection   Craig Bachmann is a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Certified Arborist/TRAQ, Certified Tree Worker – Climber Specialist  and an experienced safety/skills trainer. He is also an event head judge for the International Tree Climbing Championship .

In April 2022, Seattle City Council passed Council Bill 120207  requiring that all tree service companies must be REGISTERED  with the Department of Construction & Inspections ( SDCI ). Tree133 is an SDCI Registered Tree Service Provider: LIC-TSP-18493. We are obligated to follow the rules passed by the City Council and are committed to helping our Clients navigate the requirements. UPDATE - SPRING 2023 Seattle Tree Codes and public posting Requirements continue to evolve. As of April 2023, a public notice must be created and posted online on the Seattle Services Portal Public Notices  web page at least 3 business days prior to performing reportable work and at least 6 business days prior to removal of trees 6 inches in Diameter Standard Height (DSH) or greater. "Reportable work" is defined as the removal of live branches 2 inches in diameter or greater, pruning or removal of live roots 2 inches in diameter or greater, or removal of live branches constituting 15 percent or more of a tree's foliage-bearing area. Support from Tree133 We will assist you with the public notice requirement to make sure it contains the correct information and specific details for EACH tree to be pruned or removed. Additional service details are available in your formal proposal document from Tree133. Tree133 will use our Seattle Services Portal Account to create your public notice We will print and post your public notice at the time of your tree care project You will receive a copy of the notice for your records Mission Tree133's mission is to preserve trees and empower people. We deliver this mission by providing sound advice and quality care for your trees. As Seattle's Tree Protection Codes  and requirements evolve, we are committed to following these rules with integrity and transparency. These new requirements are a significant change for all tree service providers and property owners throughout the city. We are working with other local arborists in the newly formed Seattle Arborist Association  to grow our urban forest through advancement and support of the profession of arboriculture. Do you have questions about Seattle Tree Code and what it means for our neighborhoods? Submit questions and concerns  directly to your City Council Person.

On a sunny day in November, urban forestry leaders, advocates and researchers from around the world gathered to climb some of the largest trees in Seattle at the Urban Canopy Leadership Summit. Professional Arborists from the PNW, including Craig Bachmann of Tree133, came together and helped climbers reach new heights. Developed by David Anderson of Canopy Watch International , these events aim to empower personal and scientific discovery by actually getting people IN the trees. Isabella Breda, a local Seattle journalist, got into a harness and navigated her way to the top of a majestic maple. She shared her experience in the Seattle Times. By the grace of a carabiner, harness and a sturdy rope, I gently swung in the breeze, hidden within the crown of the towering European beech tucked behind the Seattle Asian Art Museum at Volunteer Park on Sunday afternoon. It’s one of Seattle’s largest trees by volume, the arborists tell me, with a trunk spanning nearly 6 feet across.... Read More   Want to learn more? Watch David Anderson's TED talk, The Transformative Power of Climbing Trees .

The professionals and arborists of Tree133 recently attended TCI Expo 2023. This is the world's largest tree-related conference and trade show. Over 4,000 arborists and tree professionals from North America and beyond attended this years's Tree Care Industry event. The seminars, demonstrations and exhibits provided valuable opportunities for our entire team to grow our tree science knowledge and technical skills - all essential in our daily work of pruning and preserving trees in the Seattle area. This is also an opportunity to earn continuing education credits which are required to acquire and maintain Certified Arborist credentials. Two members of our team - Craig, Lead Arborist & Karsten, Field Supervisor - presented an educational seminar for more than 150 attendees, called "Can You be Rescued: Simple Solutions to Improve Climber Safety." It was a great opportunity to share our knowledge and help fellow arborists focus on safe climbing techniques when working in the trees.

Tree133 is excited to partner with TreeU for this professional arborist qualification program. During a half-day video-based training, Craig Bachmann - Lead Arborist and Manager of Tree133 - shares knowledge and skills for professional arborists to safely, confidently and efficiently operate chainsaws. Check out the preview below. Available for purchase exclusively at TreeStuff .