The City of Shoreline’s public works department is removing hundreds of trees for projects to widen streets and sidewalks. Several public works projects underway to accommodate the new light rail station at 145th St and 5th Ave NE, including repairing the sidewalks on 15th Ave NE and 155th St NE. 

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The City has already begun the removal of 25 mature public street trees along 15th Ave NE, between 155th St to 175th St. The City will be removing another 32 trees along N 155th St from I-5 to Aurora Ave N. The N 155th St trees are Sweet Gum and Norway Maples that provide up to 80 feet of shade per tree via their mature canopy.

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Shoreline is not planning to replace any of the trees along 15th Ave NE, turning their new sidewalks into urban heat zones that pose a new safety threat to pedestrians, bus riders, and those without shelter. Tree replacements are needed along 15th Ave NE. Street trees are climate justice and this high traffic area needs shade-giving street trees.

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Why do street trees matter?

Street trees are the ultimate climate justice issue. They cool the sidewalk and surrounding street by up to 10 degrees on days with extreme heat. They provide life-saving shade for pedestrians, public transit riders, and those without shelter. They are a public good that must be preserved in the name of climate justice for all Shoreline residents. 

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Is there another solution?

YES. Seattle retains street trees using a variety of methods to retain trees after the damaged sidewalk section has been taken out. We are calling on the City of Shoreline to utilize alternative methods in order to retain many of the trees along 15th Ave NE and along NE 155th St.

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