Majestic Trees

Finding Majestic Trees

We are focusing on the remaining trees in our city with a trunk diameter of 30 inches or greater. We are looking for both Evergreen trees and Deciduous trees. (Deciduous trees lose their leaves every year.) Studies in the past indicated that about 30 percent of Seattle’s overall trees are Evergreen trees while 70 percent are Deciduous, but we don’t know if that same percentage breakdown applies to the majestic trees of 30 inches or greater in trunk diameter.

How do you know if a tree is "majestic" and belongs in our database? We are looking at trunk size as an indicator of a majestic tree. Trunk size and tree species also tell us about the ecological benefits that a particular tree provides.

The Power of a Tree

Assessing Tree Impact

The ecological benefit of a tree is directly reflected by the measure of a tree's trunk diameter. Measuring this at breast height (Diameter at Breast Height or DBH) is a key component in our search.

"Why measure tree trunk size?
Trunk size tells us about the amount of carbon dioxide a tree soaks up from the atmosphere, the amount of electricity it conserves by shading and cooling the local environment, and the amount of water it soaks up during a rainstorm."

- The New York City Parks Trees Count Training Manual, 2015

More About Measuring a Tree

How to Measure Trees

Watch: How to Measure Trees, Portland Parks & Recreation, 2014

Species Identification

For information to assist in identifying tree species, click the buttons below.

Identifying Species

Common Seattle Trees

Trees of Washington

Tree Health

We aim to gather data and location for trees in good, fair and poor health. The button below links to a document to help you estimate in which of these categories a tree fits.

Assessing Tree Health

Have you located a majestic tree, or a few, in your neighborhood or around the city?
Share them with us. We'll count and map them!

The simplest way to send us your tree information is to enter it directly via our Google Form:

Input Form

If you would prefer to send your data to The Last 6000 via email instead, download and complete the Input Form via button below. Then send it to us here.

Email Input Form

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The Last 6000

A Program of PlantAmnesty | In Memory of Cass Turnbull

Established in 1987, PlantAmnesty is a 1,000-member nonprofit organization whose mission is to
end the senseless torture and mutilation of trees and shrubs caused by mal-pruning.