The Judkins Park Fir is a landmark Douglas fir in the Central District. It has lived alongside an old farmhouse for decades. Developers plan to build new townhomes on this lot — and last week, SDCI approved this tree’s removal.

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The developer's own arborist says the Judkins Park Fir is "Priority 1: Highest priority for protection...and should be protected at all reasonable cost." This native tree is healthy, near the corner of the lot, and has a high canopy that won't interfere with the six new townhomes and one free-standing ADU.

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Our AIA-certified architect analyzed the plan and showed how simply shifting the standalone ADU from one side of the lot to the other can save this tree, creating restful green space for future residents and providing environmental benefits for generations.

Existing Site Plans

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Housing & Trees Plan

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According to the 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment, Judkins Park neighborhood has as low as 15% tree canopy, has experienced high amounts of tree loss relative to other neighborhoods, and is an environmental justice priority area. It’s also surrounded on three sides by some of the city’s most intense heat zones. Trees are sustainable and economic ways to counter urban heat islands, as other options, like air conditioning, attract ozone and other pollutants that cause asthma, cancer, and even cognitive delays in children. 

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We should be retaining trees like the Judkins Park Fir, not removing them.

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How to Help

Please join us in asking the builder, Green Canopy NODE, to retain this important tree. Use this link to send a prewritten email, or copy and paste the below:

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To: agata@greencanopynode.com, andy@greencanopynode.com, developmentservices@greencanopynode.com, sales@greencanopynode.com, marketing@greencanopynode.com

Subject: Please save the Judkins Park Fir

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Dear Green Canopy NODE,

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I am reaching out about your project at 952 24th Ave S, Seattle. The Judkins Park Fir on this site is a neighborhood landmark. It is healthy and grows in the corner of the lot, out of the way of the six new townhomes. Your own arborist states it “should be protected at all reasonable cost.” 

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An architect has shown that the same number/size of new homes could be built by shifting the standalone ADU on this project to the west, while retaining this tree. Future residents of the new homes you are building could enjoy shade, clean air and access to nature. 

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Judkins Park is a historically under-resourced neighborhood coping with adjacent urban heat islands and pollution from nearby I-90. The community would be grateful for your consideration of this alternative plan.

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Thank you.