As the Emerald City, Seattle has long been known as a champion for all things “green”. It’s a reputation we take pride in and one we are diligent in upholding.
There are 8 (yes 8!) City departments engaged in Seattle’s urban forestry work. Each department brings different sets of expertise, perspective, and resources to this work–to the tune of nearly 100 city staff and over $20 million dollars–and collectively this commitment demonstrates the high priority we place on keeping Seattle’s urban forest thriving and growing.
Even though different Seattle city departments execute a variety of roles in supporting Seattle’s trees and green spaces, it’s important to recognize that this work is being done in support of one common goal: to grow and support a healthy and thriving urban forest in Seattle. Going forward, regardless of whether it is SDOT planting trees in the right-of-way, Seattle City Light pruning trees around power lines for safety and reliability, or Seattle Parks and Recreation providing tree services to parks and natural areas, this work will be recognized as part of a collective and coordinated effort called Trees for Seattle.
Trees for Seattle is a new way for us to communicate about Seattle’s urban forestry work and a new way for the community to connect with this work. To that end, Seattle reLeaf will now be known as Trees for Seattle as well. This group will continue the work they do now; supporting volunteers in stewarding the urban forest, working with residents to plant and maintain trees around homes, providing the public with timely communications on the City’s urban forestry work through our facebook page and monthly newsletter, and more.
Our commitment remains the same. Call us, email us, visit the website, or follow up on facebook. We will answer your questions, respond to your concerns, and provide you with detailed information about how we care for Seattle’s trees.
The phone number is staffed 8 to 5 Monday through Friday. If you reach out by email, you’ll get a response within 48 hours. And of course, the website is open all the time. We look forward to hearing from you.
206.684.TREE (8733)
treesforseattle@seattle.gov
www.seattle.gov/trees
Facebook: Trees for Seattle