Policy and Design Guidelines for Trees in a Growing Seattle

Abstract

Trees are important for a healthy urban environment and must be promoted through design and policy guidelines in Seattle. Seattle is a city that is growing and aiming to increase density by reducing sprawl and accommodating growth in designated urban centers. However, the associated development can also come with a reduction of green space and the removal of existing trees. This thesis shows the benefits of urban trees, discusses highlights from many of Seattle’s goals and plans that pertain to trees and density, and discusses lessons to be learned from other comparable United States cities’ forestry plans. The goal of this thesis is to propose steps forward that would promote retention of trees and stress their importance in urban areas. Surveys of professionals from the City, nonprofit organizations, and academia informed the final suggestions. A four-pronged approach of analyzing funding strategies and program support, advocacy and education, collaboration, and design and enforcement standards guides future policy recommendations for keeping trees in Seattle while it continues to grow.