Portfolio

Woodland Park Zoo

Risk Assessment & Testing in Animal Enclosures

Seattle, WA

We have worked with the zoo on capital projects, comprehensive tree inventory, and on several animal enclosures. Working in the zoo is a privilege and  – identifying and managing high risk trees—with a specific and unique set of parameters.

Seattle Center Opera House

Tree Retention during Construction

Seattle, WA

TSI inventoried and assessed mature London Plane trees adjacent to the Seattle Center Opera House, which was scheduled to be rebuilt. Our involvement began during design, and continued through construction where we consulted on root crown excavation, root cutting near new walkways and driveways, and canopy pruning.

Sequoia Park Zoo: Redwood Sky Walk

Adventure Canopy Course: Tree Inspection during Design & Construction

Eureka, CA

The Redwood Sky Walk is the longest sky walk in the western United States. It begins inside the Sequoia Park Zoo and takes visitors on an ADA accessible journey for ¼ mile through the tree canopy, 100 feet above the forest floor. 

Our staff collaborated on all phases of this project, including conceptual design, installation and post construction.  We performed aerial inspections and advanced testing, assessed tree stability and canopy dynamics, advised on tree attachment strategies, and collected data on tree growth in response to attachments. We produced specifications for tree protection and grading around tree roots, provided management recommendations to enhance tree health, and participated in community meetings and the grand opening. The team continues to monitor the installation, forest health and tree response using drone photography and growth measurements.

Historical Residence

Exceptional Tree Preservation

Seattle, WA

Two large deodar cedar trees on this residential property provide key screening and historical context. Despite one large branch failure in a storm, the property owners felt strongly about retaining the trees. Aerial inspections, testing, cabling and pruning have all been tools to help keep these trees thriving a decade later. 

WA Park Arboretum

Tomography Testing

Seattle, WA

Using sonic tomography equipment, we were able to test several trees that the Arboretum staff had identified as concerning. With a few taps on each sensor evenly spaced around a tree’s trunk, we produced a picture of the internal wood composition along the plane of the sensors. Identifying the extent of decay, helps landscape managers manage risk from trees, and can help direct their replanting strategies.

WSDOT Dayton Ave Building

Sidewalk construction near mature trees

Shoreline, WA

Installation of a new sidewalk was required when WSDOT initiated renovations on their Shoreline campus. Traditional sidewalk construction would have required removal of 20+ mature conifers. Following public outcry, the design team chose an innovative solution involving pre-fabricated panels installed above the root system. We collaborated with the design team during the process, including construction monitoring during installation and root cutting. This successful and unique project is the first of its kind in Washington State.

Volunteer Park Amphitheater

Tree Preservation during Construction

Seattle, WA

Tree Solutions Inc provided tree retention services during both the design phase and the construction phase of the park amphitheater and related path improvements. Services included a tree inventory and assessment, appraisals, construction monitoring and site documentation. Advised on conceptual and final designs with regards to tree impacts, and collaborated with design team, contractors, and parks staff to develop and execute tree protection specifications. Attended public meetings and construction site meetings to discuss and confirm tree protection.

Residential View Preservation

Critical Slope Restoration Plan and Permitting

Seattle, WA

When a high-risk willow tree growing on a slope below this home needed to be removed, we developed the long-term restoration and management plan, and assisted with permitting. 

Islandwood

Tree Risk Assessment

Seattle, WA

Islandwood is a campus developed exclusively for equitable environmental education.  As a pro-bono project, we volunteered our time to inspect the treehouse support tree for stability including advanced testing. This structure is one of the most memorable on the property.

Seattle Children’s Hospital

Tree Retention during Redevelopment

Seattle, WA

Supported this master campus plan by advising during tree transplanting from one part of the campus to another during renovations. Supported the master institution campus plan with regular tree inventories, risk assessments and management recommendations.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Tree Testing of Nurse Log Exhibit

Seattle, WA

Principal Scott Baker worked with artist Mark Dion to preserve and relocate an existing nurse log from the forested Cascade Mountains to the new Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) Olympic Sculpture Park. Scott used a micro-resistance drill to test the specimen before the move to confirm its wood strength would be sufficient for the move. 

Seattle Pacific University

Campus Inventory and Risk Management

Seattle, WA

Tree Solutions Inc. has provided on-call consulting services on the Seattle Pacific University campus for over 15 years, helping to retain some of the most unique tree specimens in the region. Services have included routine risk assessments, and a comprehensive GIS tree inventory from which we developed a campus tree management plan and risk mitigation strategy. We have performed advanced testing on large city and state champion trees on this campus, including aerial inspections, micro-resistance drill testing, and statics integrated assessment (“Pull”) testing.  

During planning and construction of capital projects, the Tree Solutions Inc team assessed site plans, prepared tree protection plans and specifications, performed pneumatic root crown excavation and provided monitoring during construction. 

The Seattle Pacific University 44-acre campus is a collection of historic and exceptional trees, and has earned awards for this distinction. The grounds contain some of the largest American elm (Ulmus americana), Bolleana poplar (Populus alba) and Valley oak (Quercus lobata) trees in Seattle. 

Moran State Park

Client/Owner: WA State Parks

Tree Solutions Inc worked with WA state parks to identify and assess 50 conifers in and near the public campground using a unique testing and analysis process called Statics Integrated Assessment (SIA – also known as ‘pull’ testing). In recent years, several trees had fallen over during high winds, and this testing was a way for the park to maintain mature trees while safely managing risk.  SIA is the most advanced stability testing available in North America, and simulates wind forces on a tree, and determines stability thresholds, measuring wood fiber expansion under the load and documenting minute movement at the root plate.

Treehouse Point

Tree House Construction: Tree Inspections and ECA permitting

Fall City, WA

Tree Solutions Inc assessed 14 trees for condition at a commercially-operated bed and breakfast where lodging is in tree houses. We worked closely with biologists and architects to develop site plans and documentation in response to development requirements, including on-going tree assessments and documentation required by the municipality. Our advanced testing and aerial assessments were critical to permit issuance, providing scientific evidence that the trees can continue to support each attached structure.

Climate Pledge Arena (Formerly Key Arena)

Tree Retention during Redevelopment

Seattle, WA

Climate Pledge Arena, a historic building on the Seattle Center campus, was re-built in 2020 retaining its landmarked roof and many mature trees surrounding it. Protected trees were both on Seattle Center property as well as within public ROW. We served as project arborist for the duration of construction and ensured tree protection specifications were properly implemented and followed throughout the project. Provided construction monitoring within critical root zones to determine impacts on tree health and stability, including weekly site visits to inspect tree protection. Construction was completed in 2022.

Asian Art Museum

Tree Retention during historic museum expansion

Seattle, WA

We served as the project Arborist for both the design phase and the construction phase of the expansion of this landmark building, which included park path modifications. Work included a tree inventory, assessment and appraisal of trees in Seattle’s historic Volunteer Park. Advised on conceptual and final designs with regards to tree impacts, and collaborated with the design team, contractors and parks staff to develop and then execute tree protection specifications. Attended public meetings and construction site meetings to discuss tree protection, and monitored construction activities within critical root zones to ensure adequate tree protection was maintained.

Residential Backyard

Specimen Tree: Testing and Management

Seattle, WA

Following a large scaffold limb failure from this specimen oak tree in a residential backyard, we tested the tree near the failure to identify the extent of decay and the presence of internal cracks. These tests showed sound wood, and provided peace of mind as they chose to retain the tree.

Seattle-Area Residence

DADU Construction, Exceptional Trees

Seattle, WA

The owners of this small urban lot wanted to construct a detached accessory dwelling unit nestled between two mature western redcedar trees in their backyard. We were involved early in the design process (which is always the most effective!)  and conducted air excavation to estimate root loss. Once we had confirmed tree impacts, we were able to provide tree protection recommendations to ensure trees will be healthy for years to come.

High Point Housing Redevelopment

Tree Retention and Landscape Committee

Seattle, WA

High Point is a 50-acre site uniquely re-developed by Seattle Housing Authority in 2000 to create a diverse mixed-income community built with low-impact design. Over 100 mature trees were retained on this multi-year project, and Tree Solutions Inc was key to tree preservation efforts.  We coordinated with both planners and general contractors in the office and on site to confirm specifications were relevant, protections were implemented, and tree preservation was a priority during each step of the way…  planning, demolition, abatement, grading, infrastructure, construction, landscape. We provided essential supervision when excavation occurred within root zones, developed temporary irrigation plans and provided tree clearance pruning specifications.   

Tree management doesn’t stop with construction. We have continued to collaborate with the High Point HOA landscape committee since project completion, providing bi-annual health and risk assessments, tree injections, and a monitoring schedule.

This project has been a success! Twenty years later, this green-built site continues to have healthy mature trees throughout the site, providing all of the ecological and mental health benefits that come from a healthy, urban forest integrated with dense housing.

University of Washington

Campus Management Plan and Capital Projects

Seattle, WA

University of Washington’s Seattle campus has a diverse and historic arboreal collection that Tree Solutions Inc has been helping manage for almost two decades. Our team created the first comprehensive Tree Inventory and Management Plan:  we documented 8500 trees on campus and trained multiple student research teams on data collection including tree health, stability, appraisal values and tree management priorities.  

The campus continues to evolve with capital projects, renovations and construction. We continue to provide permitting and tree retention services for them, collaborating with both architects and contractors, confirming that tree retention plans are realistic, and are implemented. A sample of the projects we have worked on include: Elm Hall, Mercer Hall, Fisheries & Science Building, Terry Lander Hall Renovation, Ethnic Cultural Center, Anderson Hall, Hall Health Primary Care Center, House of Knowledge, Burke Museum, UW Campus Parkway, Architecture Hall, Molecular Engineering Building, University Transit Center at Husky Stadium, HUB redevelopment, Savery Hall, Medical Center, UW Playhouse Elm, Sylvan Grove Theater Master Plan, and UW Foster School of Business.

We are privileged to be able to work with the University on the continued assessment and management of their diverse and exceptional tree collection. Our experience and longevity on this campus helps to guide the protection of historic and educationally significant trees over time, as well as supporting the university’s canopy cover goals.

Woodway Residence

Risk assessment, GIS Inventory, Trail Creation & Forest Restoration Plan

Woodway, WA

Prior to the construction of a new home, we located potential tree hazards, developed risk mitigation, and worked with the architect to lessen the negative impacts of construction. For over 10 years since that disturbance, we have worked closely with the property owner to help manage their 100+ trees, developed a trail system, and helped design benches throughout the forest by up-cycling downed trees. The successful outcome is a beautiful, wooded residence standing amongst tall healthy trees.