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Unlike in the "Wizard of Oz", the Emerald City of Seattle isn't just and illusion, it really is green, and that green comes from the hundreds of thousands of trees which live in the unique landscape of Washington's largest metropolitan area. Seattle has a lot of different types of trees, and identifying all those trees can be a bit overwhelming. For those wanting to visit some of the more spectacular specimens it can be difficult to find a jumping off point. Fortunately, there are resources to help visitors and community members to this region become avid tree enthusiasts. The pages below contain links to some of these resources which allow better understanding of the types of trees on the UW Campus, in the Botanic Gardens, and in the City as a whole. Happy touring!
Tree Talks:
Tree Talks:
Don't have the time to make it out to see the trees on the campus? Feeling like sitting at home watching YouTube Videos instead? The "Tree Talks with Theo Hoss" series offers an in depth look at the lives of trees, including many species local to Washington State. Created by the Campus Tree Tour Guide, these videos teach viewers how to identify the members of a forest, and the ecological processes and stories that define them. Learn more with these informative videos!
This page provides an opportunity to learn about ecosystem services, the direct and indirect contributions of the ecosystem to human wellbeing. In addition to diving into how the trees of the UW campus provide benefits for the community each and every day, this page also includes information on just how much the trees are doing for us in terms of carbon dioxide capture and storage, avoided runoff, pollution removal, and oxygen production. Trees in cities provide all kinds of benefits to the community, including improved physical and mental health, cleaner air and water, and habitat for other urban life. For more information on the benefits of trees in cities, visit the Vibrant Cities Lab website!
This page also features information about the negative trend in Seattle's urban forest. Maps showing canopy loss for the city, and the University itself are shared here.
This page contains a map of the UW Campus with the locations and names of over 9000 trees. Created by the University of Washington Facilities and maintained by the campus arborist, it is a great jumping off point for identifying all the many trees of the University of Washington that are not found on these tours. Additionally, the page contains maps of the Trees in the Washington Park Arboretum and a map of all Seattle street trees. The City of Seattle also offers numerous programs oriented around their goal of achieving 30% canopy cover in the city by the year 2037, including a program that allows residents access to free trees!
This page contains some of the vocabulary words used to describe different features of leaves and stems one would encounter on trees. It is a great resource when using a guide book and helps highlight important features to watch for.
Tree Activism:
Tree Activism:
The urban forest in Seattle and the Puget Sound is in decline, with a significant loss of canopy cover and significant trees over the past decade. Many groups in the Seattle area are dedicated to working towards a future where development and growth of our city does not come at the cost of the trees that make the Emerald City so special in the first place. Citizen science and public advocacy are an important part of these efforts! While this website does not recommend any specific tree advocacy group, please feel empowered to find one you like if you feel a burning desire to get out there and help speak for the trees!
Douglas-fir linoleum block print carved by Della Taylor Hoss for the book "Trees of Yosemite", published during the time in which C. Frank Brockman was Head Naturalist in the Park.
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