Our monumental Douglas fir trees
by Melody Fosmore, Save Shoreline Trees Co-Chair
The Douglas fir tree is an evergreen conifer that has grown throughout Western Washington for centuries. Here are some facts about the Douglas fir tree:
The Coast Douglas fir is the second tallest conifer in the world growing up to 275’ or more in height with a diameter of up to 16 feet.
The tree bark of a 100-year-old Douglas fir is so thick it can withstand fire and beetle infestation which allows a longer life. A fast-growing tree, the Douglas fir is popular for lumber production.
There are very few old-growth stands of Douglas firs left in the Pacific NW, due to logging, development and climate change.
Douglas fir forests are home to the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet among other birds and squirrels.
In terms of climate change, these trees gain their stride after age 70 and are a natural carbon sink. However, as the earth warms, the trees' ability to absorb carbon decreases. So as we cut down our native tall trees we continue to add to global warming and decrease the ability of the trees ability to save us.
Here in Shoreline, we have one of the nation's top Coast Douglas fir trees. To see this tree, park off NW 175th street along the north side of Boeing Creek Park. Walk SW to Hidden Lake Trail. You’ll descend a staircase underneath advancing giant Douglas firs. You’ll pass a 7’ wide 200’ tall leaning fir. Another lurks just north tucked away from view along a babbling brook at the feeds into the creek. Look straight and you’ll see the largest tree in the park.
After crossing Boeing Creek on your way west to Hidden Lake look back for a stupendous view of the three big firs in their entirety which is best in fall and winter.
This tree has unknown girth and height however it is believed the tree germinated and planted around the year 1571 (give or take 100 years) which means it’s more or less 450 years old. (In contrast, the first permanent white American settlement on Puget Sound was established at Alki Point in 1851.) Another point of reference is a 250’ tree is half of the height of Space Needle!
When we ponder life expectancies it is interesting to note that while an individual human life is 80 years, a Douglas fir tree’s life expectancy is 500 years, in some cases 1000 years. If only we could hear their wisdom! Instead, we are called to speak for these magnificent trees – to keep them with us for as long as possible so each generation can enjoy their magnificence.