(repetitive rhythmic instrumentals) - I'm Paris Jackson in the Crosscut KCTS9 newsroom.

Tree canopies beautify the streets of Seattle, but many residents might be unaware of the city's maintenance laws, which even arborists say, are confusing.

For trees that occupy public property, or rights of way, in most cases, the city's Department of Transportation only manages trees they've planted, leaving homeowners of adjacent properties to figure out the bulk of care.

Street trees create nearly 25% of the city's total canopy coverage, and about 80% of them are the responsibility of homeowners.

A recent assessment found Seattle is losing street canopies faster than it's adding to it, with the largest impacts in marginalized communities, where trees are already sparse.

In 2022, SDOT spent 1.7 million on tree planting, maintenance, and watering.

As for homeowners, they're footing a similar bill, for thousands more trees with restrictions like permits required for tree planting and removal, as well as pruning.

I'm Paris Jackson.

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