Trees for Seattle November Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 11/01/2022 11:15 AM PDT
seattle dot gov
Trees for Seattle logo

A program of the City of Seattle, Trees for Seattle is committed to growing and maintaining a healthy, awe-inspiring urban forest.

Trees for Salmon

When we think of salmon we often think of water, both salt and fresh. Seldom do we think about trees as being part of salmon’s life, but trees are vital to health of our beloved Pacific salmon. This time of year, salmon are returning to places like Piper’s and Longfellow creeks and trees are capturing and storing rainwater and reducing the amount of pollution entering these waterways. Tree roots hold stream banks in place, minimizing soil erosion and protecting the gravel beds where salmon eggs are laid. In the summer, trees shade our urban creeks lowering water temperatures, which salmon need to survive.  

Salmon also give back to the trees by carrying essential marine nutrients from deep in the Pacific Ocean up into the watersheds where they spawn. In fact, trees on the banks of salmon-bearing streams can grow up to three-times larger than trees near streams without salmon. Salmon are also a cultural cornerstone for Seattle’s indigenous people and have been for thousands of years as are our large trees, especially Western Red Cedar. Salmon SEEson is a time to view spawning salmon across the region including Piper’s Creek at Carkeek Park where Salmon Stewards will be out on Saturdays and Sundays. While there, enjoy all the large trees keeping the creek heathy. You can also help salmon by planting and caring for trees across Seattle! 

Chum salmon

Chum salmon spawning, USFWS

Prepare for Winter Storms Now

November in Seattle is famous for windy weather. So far, the start to the rainy season has been mild but the last few days of October brought more wind. Now is the time to make sure your trees are ready for winter. Look up to check for broken and dead branches that may fall out during storms. Look down around the trunk and base of your tree - cavities or large fungi could signal an aging or dying tree. Now is also a good time to apply mulch at the base of your tree to retain moisture and healthy soil temperature. You may want to hire an ISA certified arborist to professionally evaluate your trees and ensure they are in good condition for wind, rain, snow, and ice.  

If you are concerned about a street tree, contact the Seattle Department of Transportation at 206-684-TREE (8733) or email seattle.trees@seattle.gov.  

 If you are concerned about a tree in a park, contact Seattle Parks and Recreation's Arborist at 206-684-4111.  

If you see a tree touching power lines or power lines that have fallen, call Seattle City Light immediately at (206) 684-3000. If you have power line related tree questions, email or call Seattle City Light’s Vegetation Management Unit at SCLVegetation@seattle.gov or (206) 386-1733.  

Did You Know...

raking leaves prevents flooding? Leaves can be an awesome source of free mulch for your garden (both flower and vegetable). Clearing leaves and debris from storm drains is another small action with big impacts for flood prevention! 

Take a Colorful Fall Tree Walk

There are many places to view gorgeous fall color here in Seattle! Check out our Tree Walk App for some of our fall color walks. Also check out two other sites with their own Tree Walks! 

Kubota Gardens

Kubota Gardens 
Freeway Park 
Seattle Japanese Garden 
Seattle Chinese Garden
Volunteer Park 
Magnolia Tree Walk 

Upcoming Events

Community Tree Planting and Care Event 
Sunday, November 6, 12 to 2 pm 
Please join us for a Community Tree Planting and Care Event at the corner of 32nd Ave S & Holly Park Dr S. Please bring gloves, if you have them, a bottle of water & dress for weather with closed toe shoes. Email hostedpm@gmail.com with any questions. 

West Seattle Tree Care with Nature Consortium
Tuesday, November 8, 10am-12:30pm &
Saturday, November 19, 10am-12:30pm 
SW Genessee Traffic Triangle: Intersection of SW Genessee and Fauntleroy Way Trees for Seattle is co-hosting a work party with Nature Consortium to maintain young Gary Oak trees and mature Madrones by removing invasive species at the SW Geneessee Traffic Triangle in West Seattle. We will remove litter and invasive plants, mulch around trees, and have fun together making this tiny green space a little healthier. Register here to volunteer for these events! 

Forest Bathing in Freeway Park with Cascadia Forest Therapy 
Sunday, November 20th at 10am-12 pm
Freeway Park in Downtown Seattle 
Meet Forest Bathing guide, Chloe Lee, for a free forest emersion in what may seem like an unlikely place- the very urban and beautifully forested, Freeway Park. Chloe offers meditative space to deepen your relationship to Seattle’s forest which surrounds us-wherever we are in the city. This should be a really special experience and a first for Freeway Park, signup here!