SPU urban tree nursery

A tree nursery with young trees in rows.

Project description

SPU urban tree nursery: Growing a healthy urban forest

Seattle Public Utilities’ Trees for Neighborhoods program is building a tree nursery at 9740 8th Ave NW. Once construction is complete, the facility will provide trees for the program but be closed to the public for day-to-day operations.

Location

9740 8th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117

This Seattle Public Utilities' owned property in Crown Hill includes a 30” concrete culvert that carries Pipers Creek from a ravine (south of the property) to the ravine in Carkeek Park (north of the property across Holman Road). 

Map of the property between 7th and 8th Ave NW, and Holman Road and NW 100th St.

What's happening now?

The site is under construction. Demolition and other construction activities will take place through approximately October 2025. 

SPU is currently developing an operations plan for the facility, developing a facility name and site signage, and planning a future community open house. 

Community benefits

Trees catch rain and slow runoff, clean our air and water, cool sidewalks and homes, and make our neighborhoods healthier. This nursery will support the Trees for Neighborhoods planting program by:

  • Stabilizing tree supply
  • Improving tree availability and varieties 
  • Increasing availability of climate resilient species

Anticipated Short Term Impacts

Increased construction traffic, noise, dirt, and vibrations during the construction period.

Since 2009, the Trees for Neighborhoods planting program has helped Seattle plant over 15,400 trees at homes, schools, businesses, gathering places, and along streets. That’s 15,400 more trees working to slow rain runoff, clean our air and water, cool sidewalks and homes, and make our neighborhoods healthier! This nursery will stabilize annual tree supply for this program.

  • Summer 2025: Nursery Construction
  • Fall 2025: Nursery Opening

 

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.