Normandy Park Heritage Trees
Heritage Tree Program
Trees are a vital asset to any community, and Normandy Park has embraced this value. Based on the 2018 Tree Canopy Survey from King Conservation District, Normandy Park has 740 acres, or 46%, of tree canopy. This is one of the highest percentages in King County. To celebrate, promote, preserve, and educate the public about this great asset, the city has established a Heritage Tree Program. The purpose of the program is to:
- Increase public awareness of trees and specifically Normandy Park’s urban forest.
- Draw attention to and protect our unique and significant heritage trees
- Reinforce that all trees are one of the key components of our city’s unique character and sense of place.
To read more about the Heritage Tree Program or to nominate a tree, download the application and email it to Parks & Recreation Manager Aimee Lloyd at alloyd@normandyparkwa.gov.
Contact:
Aimee Lloyd
Parks & Recreation Manager
(206) 248-8258
email
Locate a Heritage Tree
The Normandy Park Heritage Trees
1) Sequoia
This remarkable Sequoia species, native to the western United States, possesses a unique ability to withstand the test of time, with some individuals exceeding 3,000 years of age. The Sequoia’s immense size is truly a sight to behold, as its branches spread far and wide, embracing the yard with unparalleled tranquility and harmony. As the newly nominated Heritage Tree of Normandy Park, this awe-inspiring Sequoia is a cherished reminder of the city’s natural heritage. Up close, it has one of the largest trunks on any tree in the greater Seattle area, 112″! This tree is not viewable from the road and resides in its caretaker’s backyard.
Height: 70 feet
Diameter: 112 inches
Owner: John & Natalie Short
2) Red Oak
Standing tall and proud, this Red Oak is a testament to this esteemed species’ resilience and longevity. Known for its imposing presence and broad canopy, it provides ample shade and shelter from the summer sun. The Red Oak’s deeply furrowed bark adds a touch of rugged elegance to its aesthetic appeal, while its leaves turn a striking crimson hue in the autumn, painting the landscape with a vibrant tapestry of colors.
Its size, age, and significance contribute to its worthiness of recognition as a Heritage Tree. This tree is known by many in the neighborhood and was the first tree nominated to Normandy Park’s Heritage Tree program. This Red Oak exemplifies the stringent standards and criteria for such a designation. The owners share stories about the tree and how many people have inquired about it over the years, including someone offering to buy the home because they enjoyed the tree so much.
Height: 89.5 feet
Diameter: 56 inches
Owner: The Fain Family
3) Golden Chain Laburnum
The Golden Chains Tree, also known as the Golden Chain Laburnum, boasts an extraordinary display of pendulous yellow flowers that drape elegantly, reminiscent of golden chains swaying in the wind. Its stunning floral spectacle typically blooms in late spring to early summer. This species is located in the center of the Metcalfe backyard and is an impressive annual bloomer that blooms profusely. This larger variety of Laburnum is a relatively rare species in the Pacific Northwest.
Height: 32 feet
Diameter: 35 inches
Owner: The Metcalfe Family
4) Maple Tree Pair
A pair of magnificent maple trees have emerged as additions to the esteemed heritage tree program. These remarkable maples showcase nature’s splendor while providing a stunning panorama for all who witness their grandeur. Their extraordinary location sets these maple trees apart, offering captivating views that enhance the overall experience. They also thrive next to each other and have reached a sizeable height and diameter. Perched atop a grassy hillside overlooking the Puget Sound, they provide a place to sit and swing while one enjoys the view.
Height: 70 feet each
Diameter: 43 inches & 41 inches
Owner: The Craig Family
5) Cedrus deodara
When its current owners and caretakers moved into their Normandy Park home in 1962, this significant tree clocked in at a whopping 15 feet tall. It is at least 70 years old and an estimated 65 feet tall today. Species of this large evergreen conifer have been known to reach a height of between 131 and 164 feet and grow a trunk as large as 10 feet in diameter. It has needles and produces up to a three-1/2-inch cone.
This magnificent specimen captivates all with its distinct charm and unparalleled beauty. The Diadora tree boasts a range of extraordinary characteristics that make it a true treasure within the city’s natural heritage. This one lives in the Wiltse family yard and provides ample shade in the summer and a place of refuge for neighborhood squirrels.
Height: 65 feet
Diameter: 43 inches
Owner: The John & Jo Wiltse
6) Maple
As a Heritage Tree of Normandy Park, this magnificent maple stands as a living testament to the city’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its local environment’s beauty. A Maple tree’s unique ability to adapt and flourish in diverse environments sets any maple tree apart. This tree is located in the backyard of the McLaughlin family property and is believed to have been planted around the time their home was built in 1910. It’s likely to be over 100 years old! Whether standing resolute against the harsh winds or basking in the sun’s warmth, this tree demonstrates remarkable resilience.
Height: 68 feet
Diameter: 45 inches
Owner: George & Lee McLaughlin
Do you have a tree that you’d like to have included as a Heritage Tree?
We’d love to hear more about your tree to see if it could be a future tree in the Heritage Tree Program. Get in touch with us to learn more about our program!
