Author: Kathy Schuler

“…With over seven square miles of tree canopy in Kirkland, the urban forest is an important component of the city’s “green infrastructure.” The challenge is how to balance a sustainable urban forest with the pressures of development and other interests in Kirkland. With that in mind, the City is undertaking its first comprehensive look at a city-wide Urban Forestry Strategic Management Plan.   A thorough assessment of the City’s current forestry policies and operations is taking place….” Forterra Example from within the 118 page document: “…Urban residents report they like where they are living more and feel safer than residents who have fewer trees around them (Sullivan, 1996). A majority of people feel that trees improve one’s quality of life (Lohr, 2004)…. Page 7 Increased property values – On average, street trees add $7,020 to home sales prices in Portland, Oregon and reduced time on the market by 1.7 days. The increase in property value with trees extends to neighboring houses (Donovan, 2010). A study found 7 percent higher rental rates for commercial offices having high quality landscapes…” (Laverne, 2003). Page 10  “…For example, a mature, 24-inch diameter, red maple (Acer rubrum), located on a residential street in Kirkland is estimated to provide $201 in annual benefits…” Page 11 You can review the draft management plan here. Note that the draft version will go before the Kirkland City Council on...