Big Red
A coast redwood transplanted from California 100 years ago is blamed for cracks in parking lot asphalt.

Status:    AT-RISK

Type:   Coast Redwood

Address:   1024 5th Ave S, Edmonds

Last Updated:   Mar 22, 2025

Grab a Sign to Spread the Word

We have designed posters and yard signs, just like the political signs you see on public lands during campaign seasons. Please support Big Red by putting a sign in your yard or on the street, and putting up one of our smaller posters in your local coffee shop.

  • Posters: $1
  • Yard signs: $20, includes metal stands

Signs and posters are from the Branding Iron, and several have been printed in advance and are ready for pickup. Please call owner Lilyan (425-672-8244) ahead of time and confirm there are some still available.

What's Going On?

An Edmonds condominium association has applied to remove a massive coast redwood tree named “Big Red”  because their asphalt parking lot is cracking. The owner of the property before the condos were built shared that his grandparents grew the tree from a burl they bought in California 100 years ago. The City of Edmonds has not yet approved the removal. Since Big Red is in an Environmentally Critical Area – on land sloping down to the waterfront – a specific permit is needed to remove it.

Send a Prewritten Email

Copy/paste the email below to urge the Edmonds mayor to save this tree.

To: mike.rosen@edmondswa.gov, council@edmondswa.gov

Subject: Please act now to save Big Red and the big trees of Edmonds

Dear Mayor Rosen,

I am reaching out to ask you to revoke the permit to remove the coast redwood known as "Big Red," and support the development of a stronger tree code.

As climate change accelerates and the PNW draws population, large trees will be key to maintaining the clean air and livability Edmonds is known for. Protecting a tree of this immense stature and health should be a given in a setting where it has space to grow without impacting structures. Big Red represents the many majestic trees which will fall if Edmonds fails to enact a stronger tree ordinance and limit the spread of pavement.

The City's reputation for transparent and accessible government is also at risk. It is disappointing that the City Attorney seized upon a document service technicality in order to defend a permit with obvious flaws. (incorrect arborist report, incorrect GIS location, and the stated infrastructure need already completed, to name three)  

Please cancel the erroneous permit to remove Big Red and work with City Council to develop a tree ordinance which meaningfully protects Edmonds' trees, livability and the environment.

How to Help
This campaign is a joint effort with
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Print this flyer to spread the word!
Status:
AT-RISK
Type:
Coast Redwood
Address:
1024 5th Ave S, Edmonds
Last Updated:
March 22, 2025
flyerB&W flyer
No items found.