August 4, 2005
Diseased Montlake trees to be removed
A double row of Leyland cypress trees along Montlake Boulevard are scheduled to be removed soon.
The trees, which flank the sidewalk from Husky Stadium to the Montlake Bridge, are infected with Seiridium canker, according to an undergraduate research project conducted by students in the College of Forest Resources.
The canker is spread by water, but bark beetles may also play a role. Air pollution, drought, competition for resources, and poor root structure make the trees prone to infection. Treatment of Seiridium canker involves removing the infected branches, but once the main trunk is infected, the tree is unsalvageable. The trees scheduled for removal fall into this category.
The trees were planted in 1987 despite objections raised by the Campus Landscape Advisory Committee to planting a monoculture. Monocultures are problematic because all the plants are the same species, so an insect or disease can sweep through an area. Many passersby, whether they are trained arborists or concerned citizens, have commented on the poor condition and looks of the trees along Montlake.
In the next several years construction will begin on an underground Sound Transit station. The area will be replanted upon completion of the station.
Questions or comments about this project may be directed to Deborah Brown, campus arborist, 206-685-1402 or dcb4@u.washington.edu.
