Green Lake's Giant Sequoia
Plans have been filed to remove a 120-year old Giant Sequoia for a driveway. This tree is one of roughly only 200 mature giant sequoias left in Seattle’s neighborhoods.

Status:    AT-RISK

Type:   Giant Sequoia

Address:   5834 Woodlawn Ave N, Seattle

Last Updated:   Nov 04, 2024

For the most up-to-date information, to get a yard sign, and more: visit the Green Lake Giant Sequoia's website here, or email volunteers at trees4greenlake@gmail.com.

Small design changes could save the tree and build the same amount of housing and parking, but SDCI won’t ask for them.

A giant sequoia — the hallmark tree of the Sequoia National Forest — is about to be removed in the east Green Lake neighborhood. True to its name, this tree is 63” in diameter, and is one of only about 200 mature giant sequoias left in Seattle’s neighborhoods. But its size and rarity isn’t stopping SDCI from fast-tracking its removal through their inadequate policies and enforcement.

Seattle’s new tree ordinance allows all trees to be removed for development. This table taken directly from Seattle’s new tree ordinance shows the difference between tree protection for homeowners versus when construction is proposed:

Excerpt from SMC 25.11

Simple design changes could save the Green Lake Giant Sequoia, with no loss of housing or parking.

The existing single family home will be demolished and replaced with a larger single family home. The current plan shows a long driveway running through the Giant Sequoia, with wasted space on either side. Our architect’s analysis shows that small changes will not only save the Giant Sequoia, but using land more efficiently could save most of the other large trees. 

Here’s the current site plan for this large (5,400 square foot) lot:

Here’s our architect’s version. Moving the driveway, locating the garage within the larger structure, and shifting the home further back on the lot results in the same amount of living space and parking, and saves the Giant Sequoia and many other trees.

How to Help
  1. Join us Friday, August 16 at 7 p.m. for a gathering for this tree. Even better, reach out to us to help flyer the neighborhood to spread the word about our event.
  2. Please add your message to this (click here!) pre-addressed email, asking SDCI and City officials to save the Green Lake Giant Sequoia. It's addressed to top SDCI officials, the mayor's office, and the relevant city councilmembers.
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Status:
AT-RISK
Type:
Giant Sequoia
Address:
5834 Woodlawn Ave N, Seattle
Last Updated:
November 4, 2024