Cherry trees near Pike Place Market were to be removed as part of a road improvement project.
SEATTLE — The city of Seattle has delayed the removal of a row of downtown cherry trees after community opposition.
The trees were expected to be uprooted as part of the construction work on Pike Street between First and Second Avenues. Construction work started on Monday and removing the trees should be one of the first construction steps.
However, the city paused the removal Tuesday to listen to community members’ views and address their concerns, according to the Seattle Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects.
Heart-shaped signs reading “U SAVE ME” were on the trees Monday, urging the public to email councilors and urge them to take action and save the trees.
The office said it would be meeting with stakeholders over the next few days to hear their comments before work resumes.
The cherry trees were planted in 1980 and are nearing the end of their normal lifespan, according to the city. Pillar Sargent cherry trees are expected to remain healthy for about 20 years before their health deteriorates. According to the city, five of the original trees have already died and been removed.
As part of the original plan, the city planned to plant hybrid elms in place of the cherry trees. These trees were selected because they meet street tree standards for shape, foliage density, and growth rate. As part of the project development, the city said the Seattle Department of Transportation was listening to feedback from the community and a desire for trees with longer lifespans that would arch over the street and frame the line of sight to the Pike Place Market sign and clock and at the same time would remain free of pedestrian lighting.
The felling is part of the Pike Pine Streetscaping and Bicycle Improvements Project, which provides street upgrades and improves east-west connections for pedestrians, cyclists and automobiles.
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