This tree looks like it's right next to the house. If this is true, the owner should be let off the hook. It is windy sometimes. Trees don't remain standing forever.

It is funny that the department of planning can remove and destroy trees at their will, but if a home owner makes this decision they are fined. Take a look at the butcher job done along 32nd Ave NW- trees we hacked to please the city with no input from home owners.

Perhaps the city needs a class action lawsuit to remind them whom pays their check!

Man...gotta love Seattle. I pay tons of property tax on a 'high value' house I couldn't sell if I wanted to. Big chunks of that money pay for schools I won't let my kids attend. Then, you get fined for cutting down a messy and dangerous tree in your own yard? Guess the DPD didn't get their money for the permit and inspection.

What's the matter with you poeple? Stop the tree cutting in this city! Shame on Seattleites cutting down trees and ruining our green environment, Just because it is your property does not mean you can ruin a neighboorhood and do anything you want.

Shame on you... There are pleanty of trees in this city. Who cares if one gets taken down? Go live in the woods!

I live next door to a lot in Ballard that once held a cabin built in 1910, the first home built on the block. The lot also contained 3 gorgeous mature cedars as well as an enormous oak tree at least 60 years old. When the lot was sold to a developer, the oak was nominated by neighbors as a heritage tree in hopes that it would be protected. However, the new owner got wind of the nomination and before filing for a permit to demolish the cabin, came in on a stormy November day and clear-cut the entire lot and fed everything into a chipper. And the best thing is that the city is aware of this loophole where an owner can cut down every living thing on a property BEFORE applying for a demo permit, thereby avoiding an environmental assessment of the property that might restrict such an action. To my knowledge this loophole still exists since it benefits developers and consequently benefits the city with development fees and taxes. Trees versus money? Guess which one loses...