Homeowner sued by King County says tree cutting was about safety, not views

A viral video showing a massive tree barreling down a hillside has led to a King County lawsuit against three homeowners accused of cutting or damaging over 140 trees in Issaquah. The homeowners allegedly sought improved views, but one homeowner claims that safety, not aesthetics, motivated the tree-cutting, asserting that he received verbal permission from King County after a tree damaged his home. County officials have characterized the incident as one of the most egregious cases of timber trespass, destabilizing the hillside and harming the ecosystem. King County's Department of Natural Resources confirms that only the county can authorize such work on protected land. Residents expressed alarm over the loss of trees that previously helped stabilize the steep slope, particularly with the upcoming rainy season.

The visible damage from I-90 has transformed the landscape, revealing a sweeping view of West Tiger Mountain. County officials describe the situation as a "massacre" of trees, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of environmental protections. This case highlights the ongoing conflict between private property rights and the necessity of preserving public land.