![General
Tree Trimming
General
The natural forest setting is an important element of what attracts many of us to the Mirrormont neighborhood. The MCA realizes that trees can sometimes pose a hazard, must be removed for additions or improvements to a property, or residents may simply like to have more light in their yard or home. A tree [...]](http://www.mirrormont.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ForestPractices1-620x250.jpg "Forest Practices")
The natural forest setting is an important element of what attracts many of us to the Mirrormont neighborhood. The MCA realizes that trees can sometimes pose a hazard, must be removed for additions or improvements to a property, or residents may simply like to have more light in their yard or home. A tree cutting Permit is often required by the county when removing trees in Mirrormont. There are also restrictions and permits when removing areas of native vegetation or grading areas for a new driveway, garage, or an addition. The same phone numbers and websites are used for both tree cutting and grading and are outlined below.
When you are planning on cutting trees or grading, or if you are concerned about a neighbor who is, we ask that first of all that neighbors communicate with each other about the project. Many times this will ease tension between neighbors before it arises. Waking up to chainsaws can be an uneasy feeling and result in an uncomfortable situation between neighbors. With some property boundaries aligned in strange ways, it is a good idea to make sure you and your neighbor are clear on the exact location of property lines before you begin marking or cutting trees. To insure that property lines are clear, it may be necessary to obtain a Property Line Survey from a licensed survey company as well.
You may email forestpractices@mirrormont.org for additional information or help on the subject. With only the address of the property in question you may check the status of permits on the county website or call King County at (206) 296-6680, provide the address, and they will check on permit status. If you need a tree cutting or grading permit, begin also with this phone number.
The King County Website for Tree Cutting, Land Clearing, and Grading Regulations as well as information on fines for not obtaining the permit is available here.
The actual restrictions on tree cutting and grading are based on the percentage of total area that has been cleared on your property. In addition, some properties have limitations due to slope or sensitive creek and wetland areas. After contacting the county from one of the methods outlined above, the County Forester will gather data on your lot from county records and come to your house and look at your lot to make a judgment as to your tree removal or grading requests. The tree cutting permit lasts for a year and may be added to within that period, for no additional charge in most cases, if you decide you might like to remove another tree.
If you have questions or concerns about tree cutting or grading in Mirrormont you may use the phone numbers listed above or send emails to forestpractices@mirrormont.org.
Tree pruning for storm damage reduction is an alternative to removal
Tree Trimming and Storm Damage Risk Audit
Tree trimming and proactive maintenance in advance of harsh weather will help keep your family safe and save you the hassle and cost associated with unexpected storm damage to your trees and home. Wind, rain, snow and ice can break or weaken limbs and may result in falling trees or the need for tree removal. Trees in excess of 12″ in diameter are most likely to cause serious injury or property damage if they fail. Services such as Storm Damage Risk Audits can help you protect your property by assessing the stability of trees within proximity to homes, personal property, pools and play areas. Periodic inspections by a qualified arborist or tree service and tree pruning at regular intervals are both excellent ways to keep your trees, home, and families safe.
Tree Trimming and Preventative Maintenance
Tree pruning overgrown trees restores aesthetics and structural integrity while improving overall plant health and can be a much cheaper alternative than removal of trees. It is also one of the most important management practices on your landscape. Tree trimming can also be done for safety and storm damage risk management. A tree trimming expert can reduce limbs. In some cases, they may be able to install cabling and bracing systems to support structurally weak or injured trees on your property. This support helps reduce the risk of storm related injuries and extends the life and well being of your trees. Wind Sailing is a common technique of thinning branches in the upper third of larger trees to reduce the effect of wind near the top of the tree where wind is usually the strongest. This can also effectively allow more “broken” or filtered light to enter your property and at the same time retain the integrity of the stand of trees.
Tree Removal Alternatives
Tree removal can be avoided in some cases, particularly when a safe and reasonable alternative is available that will allow you to keep your trees. Proactive tree pruning and maintenance is the best way to ensure the longevity of your trees. Cabling and bracing create artificial support to structurally weak or injured trees and branches. These supports help to prevent injuries to your trees, such as crotch and branch failure, and help to provide protection against storm damage. This practice may extend the life and well-being of feature trees.
Tree Removal for Hazard Reduction
Tree removal is sometimes necessary when decay, structural decline or significant storm damage makes a tree dangerous. A proactive Storm Damage Risk Audit will help you identify potential hazards. It’s also a good idea to contact an arborist after an especially bad storm if you are unsure about the structural stability of a particular tree.
Tree Removal
Tree removal in most suburban landscapes presents a challenge. Trees in neighborhoods like ours are often surrounded by other valuable plantings or structures. Tree removals often require careful dismantling by highly trained professionals to ensure safety and the protection of your home and property. The use of specialized equipment is sometimes necessary due to the location of the tree in relation to your home or other structures or the soundness of your tree. A standard tree removal includes taking down a tree, chipping all brush, cutting all wood into 20″ logs, cutting the stumps as flush as possible to the ground, and possibly stump grinding.
Selecting A Tree Service
When selecting a tree service you should always ask for current certificates of license, bonding, and insurance. Then, contact the insurance company to make sure the policy is current. Under some circumstances you can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property or if the worker damages a neighbor’s property. Don’t rush into a decision just because you are promised a discount if you sign an agreement now. Be sure you understand what work is to be done and for what amount of money. It is generally not a good idea to pay in full until the work is completed.
Most reputable tree care companies have all the work they can handle without going door to door. People who aren’t competent arborists or tree care professionals may solicit tree work after storms, seeing an opportunity to earn quick money. Storm damage creates high risk situations for both workers and property. Legitimate professionals never ask for payment in advance. It is always a good idea to get 2-3 bids when soliciting tree work.
