Properties perched along marine bluffs, hilltops, and waterfronts in Olympia—such as Cooper Point, Boston Harbor, and Steamboat Island—often boast million-dollar views of Budd Inlet, Eld Inlet, and the Olympic Mountain range. However, rapidly growing native firs and maples can gradually obscure these stunning vistas.
In years past, uncertified contractors frequently recommended 'topping' trees—cutting the main trunk straight across with a chainsaw. In Washington state, tree topping is widely condemned by arborists and often prohibited by municipal tree codes. Topping triggers an explosion of rapid, weakly attached water sprouts that re-block the view within three years while introducing trunk decay.
Professional arborists utilize tree-friendly view enhancement techniques defined under ANSI A300 pruning standards. The primary method is 'windowing': selectively removing specific branches in the middle of a mature tree's canopy to create a clear framed opening or 'window' toward the water or mountain peak.
Another effective technique is 'crown skirting' (raising the canopy), which involves removing lower branches to open broad panoramic sightlines underneath mature evergreen crowns. For dense forest backdrops, selective canopy thinning removes up to 20% of live foliage, filtering the view without stripping the tree's wind resistance.
Preserving tree health on coastal bluffs is doubly critical because mature tree root systems are the primary anchor holding marine slopes together. Our certified arborists ensure you capture your dream Pacific Northwest view while keeping your hillside structurally stable and your trees thriving.