SITKUM TREE SERVICES PROJECTS
Every piece of land has a story
These are just a few of the ones we’ve helped shape.
Reclaiming 80 Acres of Forest on the Blue Mountains
Site Characteristics
- Dense stand with no spatial variation; in need of thinning
- High elevation terrain
- Heavy underbrush made the area inaccessible by foot
Client Needs
The new homeowner owned 80+ acres but couldn’t access most of the land by foot or vehicle. They were eager to engage with their property and had concerns about wildfire risk and overall forest health—especially due to a high number of dead trees.
Solution
We began by creating a trail system that gave both the client and our crew better access. Using chip beds to protect the soil, we tracked equipment into key areas and thinned the stand by removing dead or poorly formed trees. Before wrapping up, we raked and compacted the chips to leave walkable, visually clean trails that blend into the landscape.
Bringing Power to a Steep, Remote Site in the Foothills
Site Characteristics
- 10-acre property
- Very steep terrain
- Limited access due to a failing culvert
Client Needs
The client needed to bring primary power to a remote lot—over 1,400 feet from the nearest source. That required trenching along a steep community road and crossing a rusted culvert.
Solution
We carefully routed the new power line up the edge of the parcel, crossing the existing culvert while keeping it operational. To future-proof the site, we replaced the culvert with PVC pipe, installed provisional septic, and ran water lines during excavation. Once utilities were buried, we fully restored the surrounding vegetation, leaving the site clean, stable, and ready for future development.
Shaping Homes and Land in the Forested Wetlands of Joyce
Site Characteristics
- 10-acre parcel with a dense, 20-year-old stand of Red Alder
- Rich native vegetation and massive old-growth stumps adding history and beauty
- Wetlands covered roughly 70% of the site
- Topsoil was rich, but access was limited
Client Needs
The client purchased the land with a vision of building two homes—while preserving the natural character of the site. They wanted thoughtful placement of structures, driveways, and utilities that would blend with the landscape. It was important to retain the habitat’s beauty and create “rooms” or private-feeling spaces throughout the property.
Solution
We collaborated on home site selection and driveway layout, explaining how clearing impacts remaining trees and stand health. Then, we cut a right-of-way and surfaced it with a sturdy base for construction access. Over several phases, we installed 1,300 feet of primary power, placed 1,800 tons of structural fill to elevate the building pads, and integrated curtain drains to manage surface water. Every stage was executed with a “light on the land” approach, ensuring each transition felt natural and cohesive with the surrounding forest.
Building within the Trees on Marrowstone Island
Site Characteristics
- 5-acre waterfront parcel
- Mature forest just 75 feet from the bay
- Sandy soils and overlapping utility lines
- Tree preservation was critical to the project’s success
Client Needs
The client was constructing a new home near the coastline and wanted to retain as many trees and native plants as possible. They needed guidance on integrating the build with the surrounding forest, including pruning, tree removal, and root zone protection. The project required careful coordination with high-end architects and designers and working collaboratively with the general contractor.
Solution
We started by advising on building placement and construction methods that would protect the health of nearby trees. Before any excavation, we helped transplant native plants and shrubs for reintroduction later. Our team managed tree removals, stump grinding, and installation of a stormwater dispersion system—all while navigating tight utility corridors. Excavation was done with precision to avoid damaging root zones, and we created temporary access points for cranes and heavy vehicles. Throughout, we worked closely with other contractors to maintain a smooth schedule and ensure every element respected the integrity of the land.
Clearing for a Major Home Addition on McCurdy Point
Site Characteristics
- 60-acre property, mostly undeveloped except for a narrow driveway leading to a 1-acre homesite
- Mature 80-year-old conifer stand adjacent to the existing home
- Dense, uniform forest made clearing design crucial for both aesthetics and risk mitigation
- Large planned addition including pool, outbuildings, and garden space
Client Needs
When a large Douglas-fir fell on the home, Sitkum responded to the emergency and worked with the client to assess long-term risk. Those observations shaped the design for a major home addition. The client wanted to collaborate closely with their landscape architect and contractor to develop a thoughtful clearing plan—preserving the land’s natural character while reducing future tree failure risk and making space for new structures and landscaping.
Solution
We carefully designed a clearing that would blend into the existing forest and maintain the site’s natural appeal. Beyond the building footprint, we cleared an additional 40–80 feet to accommodate gardens and landscape elements. We graduated the cut lines to visually ease the transition between the new development and the remaining trees, leaving habitat snags at varying heights. Our team chipped 3,000 yards of material, hauled out 8 log truck loads, and ground over 200 stumps. We also pruned nearby trees to reduce risk and enhance visual harmony—then cleared the site for staking, layout, and excavation.
Full-Scope Site Development in the Palo Alto Hills
Site Characteristics
- 20-acre parcel at 1,800’ elevation overlooking Sequim Bay
- Steep terrain with a 20–25% grade and full exposure to wind and snow
- Fully wooded with a dense, unthinned 30–40-year-old stand and diverse native vegetation
- Existing access limited to a short 300’ spur road
- Hard shale soil and critical area setbacks posed added complexity
Client Needs
The client was building a home and needed full-service site development—from road and utility layout to building placement and drainage. The steep slope and poor tree structure made careful planning essential for both safety and long-term viability. They also wante
Solution
We started by mulching trees and vegetation to explore potential layout options. Collaborating with the architect, we developed a comprehensive plan to accommodate road construction, power, and home location. The project included jackhammering through shale to install power, replacing a culvert, clearing for the home and septic system, and constructing 1,500 feet of driveway. We used retained chips for trail construction and soil amendment, installed curtain drains and stormwater controls, and shaped the site to handle heavy winter rains. All finished work was designed to support long-term durability, accessibility, and visual integrity.
Smoothing a Steep Forest Driveway in Port Townsend
Site Characteristics
- 20-acre parcel in a 25-year-old Douglas fir and madrona forest
- Existing steep driveway (18–20% grade) on a former forestry road
- Glacial till soil with sand and large boulders
- Dense third-growth stand with limited options to shift the road due to adjacent underground power
- Desired tree retention and minimal visual impact
Client Needs
The client wanted to improve access while preserving the land’s natural privacy and integrity, which included retaining as many trees as possible. Winter driving hazards, road failures, and erosion were top concerns. As a highly-involved steward of their property—managing forestry, trails, and gardens daily—they wanted the driveway to feel intentional and blend with the forest around it.
Solution
We regraded the driveway, cutting it down by 4.5 feet and softening the slope to just 6%. By adding a gentle curve, we ensured proper bury depth for nearby utilities and improved drivability. All removed material was reused on-site to fill and grade low areas in the road, reducing the slope of the next section as well. The result: a more accessible, durable, and private driveway that respected both the land and the client’s goals.
Gating and Upgrading an 80-Acre Forest Drive in the Upper Dungeness
Site Characteristics
- Remote 80-acre parcel at 1,200’ elevation
- Mature conifer forest with 80–150-year-old trees
- Narrow, under-maintained driveway with moderate failures
- Retained snow and ice in winter due to dense canopy along driveway corridor
- Adjacent critical area requiring regulatory compliance
Client Needs
The client needed to install a secure, gated entrance to prevent unwanted traffic mistaking the driveway for a public road. With a 5’ elevation drop from the road, the proposed gate had to be raised for visibility. They also wanted to increase winter sunlight to melt snow and reduce risk from large, aging trees falling in the road. Given future commercial use, the entire solution needed to be long-lasting and structurally sound.
Solution
We began by clearing select trees for visibility and layout, then brought in over 3,800 tons of aggregate to build a level gate area flush with the county road. Using site-sourced rock, we created a retaining wall and lined the new parking wings with boulders and logs. To ensure long-term viability, we extended the culvert for stormwater flow, preserved curtain drain function, and coordinated closely with utility crews, electricians, and gate contractors. We also removed hazard trees along 600 feet of the drive, reshaped the landscape to restore a natural look, and seeded the area with pasture grass to prevent invasive growth. The upgraded driveway is now safer, cleaner, and ready for whatever comes next.
