Email from Owner re Replanting 4-14-16.pdf
Machuga, Jen
From:Steve Hanson <revitusinc@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, April 14, 2016 7:06 PM
To:Machuga, Jen
Cc:Johns, Kristin
Subject:tree removal at 7819 175th St. SW
Jennifer Machuga
Development Services
City of Edmonds
April 14, 2016
Dear Jennifer,
Your letter of April 16, 2015, addressed to Tony Shoffner (arborist) and myself, authorized removal of two
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dangerous trees from our property at 7819 - 175 St. SW, (ID#: STF20150016). At that time both trees were
thought to be within critical areas/critical area buffers; hence, the regulations of ECDC 23.4 - 23.9 would
apply. The trees were removed on June 11, 2015.
Subsequently, a Geotechnical Evaluation of the property was prepared by Jim Brigham, Migizi Group,
Inc. This evaluation, dated January 25, 2016, was submitted in association with our building permit #:
BLD20160129. The evaluation concluded that the area containing the tree (Tree #1, a hemlock) as well as the
landscaped area containing the tree (rockery area) was not in a critical area or critical area buffer, i.e., the area
was: (1) not environmentally sensitive; (2) was not within 50 feet of any stream or wetland; and (3) did not have
slopes exceeding 25 percent. Accordingly, as regards the hemlock tree, the regulations of ECDC 23.4 – 23.9,
as well as ECDC 18.45 did not apply. Even so, we have replanted the landscaped area near the hemlock with
several new trees, all 6’ - 14’ high, including spruce, maple and birch trees.
The second dangerous tree that was removed on June 11, 2015 was a Douglas fir (Tree #2). This tree was
adjacent to a steep slope, but more than 50’ from a small stream (see Geotech report, cited
above). Therefore, as per requirements outlined in your letter of April 16, 2015, we have left the stump of this
tree in place. We also left the trunk of the tree on the ground where it fell, as we were advised to do. More
recently (early April, 2016) we planted two vine maple trees (both 8 - 10 feet tall), one located 4’ from the fir
stump and the other located 10’ from the stump. In addition, we planted 24 Oregon grape plants on the
exposed slope beneath the stump (see “Vegetation Evaluation Letter” associated with BLD20160129) to help
with soil stabilization and erosion control.
We trust that these efforts meet the requirements of your letter of April 16, 2015. If there is more that we need
to do in this matter, or if additional information is needed, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Steve and Bonnie Hanson
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7819 – 175 Street SW
Phone: 425-771-3134
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