Tree work on Finn Hill

Finn Hill is the most heavily wooded part of Kirkland: second-growth Douglas fir and western redcedar on steep lots, ravines draining to Lake Washington, and Pacific madrones clinging to the bluffs above Holmes Point. It joined Kirkland from unincorporated King County on June 1, 2011, and brought one of the city’s most protective tree rules with it.

Main thing to know: the Holmes Point Overlay

The Holmes Point Overlay (HPO) covers part of Finn Hill along the lake. It started as a King County overlay and became Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 70 at annexation. Inside it:

The overlay has been politically active: the city paused certain short-plat applications in the HPO in 2017, and the Finn Hill Neighborhood Plan (2018) called for strengthening both the HPO and Chapter 95. If your lot is near the line, check the HPO map before planning anything.

Ravines, slopes and buffers

Much of Finn Hill drains through steep ravines toward the lake. Many lots carry landslide hazard or stream buffers, which also rule out the free notification and need permission for pruning. On slopes, a tree’s roots may be what holds the ground. Removing it, or grinding the stump, can be the wrong call even when it’s allowed.

Finn Hill trees and their problems

• Douglas fir: the big ones are often Landmarks (26”+). Watch for laminated root rot in groups of thinning firs.
• Western redcedar: top dieback after dry summers.
• Pacific madrone: sensitive to root disturbance, soil compaction and over-pruning; prune dead wood only.
• Bigleaf maple: heavy limbs over driveways on the narrow lanes.

Access

Narrow, winding streets and steep driveways limit where chippers and cranes can set up. Crews sometimes carry brush long distances or use a smaller crane from the street. Expect that in the quote. Parks like Big Finn Hill Park, O.O. Denny Park and Juanita Woodlands surround many lots, so trees on the park edge get extra wind after neighbouring clearing.