A 400 to 600-year-old Douglas fir in Lakewood, Washington, is scheduled for removal this week after city officials determined the tree poses a significant safety risk to nearby homes and infrastructure. Arborist Alan Haywood identified internal decay and a substantial lean, leading the city to condemn the 150-foot-tall specimen to prevent a potential collapse, according to The Tacoma News Tribune.
Why is the city removing this historic Douglas fir?
The city of Lakewood condemned the tree due to severe internal decay and a dangerous lean that made it a public safety liability. According to The Tacoma News Tribune, arborist Alan Haywood discovered mushrooms growing on the trunk, a primary indicator of heart rot. This condition causes the tree to hollow out from the inside, compromising root stability and increasing the likelihood of a catastrophic fall. Micah Glastetter, founder of Ranger Tree Service, noted that allowing the tree to fall naturally would cost the city ten times more than the current $29,000 removal fee. The removal project will force the closure of Lake Steilacoom Drive S.W. on Tuesday and Wednesday to accommodate heavy machinery.
How will the wood be repurposed?
Rather than disposing of the massive fir as waste or firewood, Micah Glastetter plans to process the timber into custom furniture at his workshop, Lakewood Live Edge. The removal process involves a crane and a specialized team to dismantle the tree piece by piece. According to The Tacoma News Tribune, some individual log sections are estimated to weigh as much as 20,000 pounds. Glastetter stated that he views burning such wood as a waste of a precious resource, opting instead to craft fireplace mantels and tables that preserve the history of the tree. His team will utilize a crane to remove branches individually before segmenting the trunk for transport.
Did you know? Heart rot, the condition affecting this Douglas fir, is a fungal infection that consumes the inner wood of a tree. While the exterior might appear healthy, the structural integrity of the core is often completely compromised, making the tree unpredictable during high winds.
What are the environmental and economic impacts of tree removal?
The removal of the Lakewood fir highlights the tension between public safety and the preservation of urban canopy. While the city faces a $29,000 expense for the removal, this figure is framed as a mitigation strategy against much higher potential costs related to property damage. Comparing this to standard municipal tree management, the decision to recycle the wood represents a shift toward sustainable urban forestry. Instead of the material entering a landfill or a chimney, it is being diverted into high-value durable goods. This approach contrasts with traditional city removal contracts where wood is often chipped for mulch or discarded entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why not save the tree with cabling or bracing? According to the arborist’s report, the extent of the heart rot and the tree’s lean made it a “moderate risk” that could not be safely mitigated through structural support.
- How long will the road be closed? Lake Steilacoom Drive S.W. will be closed for the duration of the removal, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Where will the wood go? All salvaged material will be transported to the Lakewood Live Edge workshop to be turned into furniture.
Pro Tip: If you have large trees on your property, consult with an ISA-certified arborist every few years. Early detection of fungal growth or internal decay can sometimes save a tree through professional intervention before it becomes a liability.
Have you ever seen a tree of this age in your community? Share your thoughts or local tree preservation stories in the comments below. For more updates on local news and environmental efforts, subscribe to our newsletter.
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