This week the Seattle Department of Transportation will remove and replace approximately 40 Arbutus trees that have died along Eighth Avenue Northwest in Ballard, in the two blocks north of Northwest 65th Street.

The department's Urban Forestry division plans to replace the trees next spring with a different variety, not yet determined.

The trees died as a result of severe weather during the last two winters, according to the city. Several other
Arbutus trees on 8th Avenue were damaged but are expected to survive and will not be removed.

The wood from the trees that are removed will be salvaged and given to the Childrens PlayGarden at 23rd Avenue South and South Grand Street to be used for constructing arbors, trellises and bird houses.

Crews will be removing the trees from Wednesday, Sept. 9 until Friday, Sept. 11, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. No on-street parking will be allowed in the work area during the day, but will be allowed at night.

While the crews are working at this location they also plan to prune the Zelkovas located in the medians along the same stretch of Eight Avenue.