Forest Types

Conifer Forest Photo: Schmitz Park Areas with at least 25% tree canopy coverage, of which at least 70% is composed of conifers. Often dominated by douglas fir or cedar, occasionally hemlock. Grand fir and spruce are less common. Introduced species, such as redwoods and many horticultural varieties of pine, spruce, cedar, etc., are widely planted and are regenerating in some areas. Significant stands of these have been included in our assessment. Conifer stands range from planted areas full of small trees to all forms of second and third growth natural regeneration, and include small regeneration stands at the edges of larger stands. A few old-growth relicts remain in Schmitz and Seward Parks. Extensive second growth stands carpet the Llandover area.
Conifer Deciduous Mixed Forest Photo: Westcrest Park Conifers and deciduous trees often grow together in our forests. A forest is considered mixed when each tree type makes up at least 30% of the canopy.
Broadleaf Evergreen (Madrone) Forest Photo: Carkeek Park Areas with at least 25% canopy coverage, of which at least 70% is composed of Pacific madrone trees. This category consists of pure madrone stands. The Pacific madrone is found along many ridges and bluffs where drainage is sharp and the exposure is hot. Seedlings are found not only among more mature stands, but also in sites with extreme conditions that mimic the preferred natural habitat, such as riprap banks along I-5. Larger trees are scattered throughout the city in remnant stands.
Broadleaf Evergreen (Madrone) Mixed Forest Photo: Carkeek Park Areas with at least 25% canopy coverage, of which at least 30% is composed of Pacific madrone, and 30-70% is composed of either conifer or deciduous trees. This category includes both madrone/conifer mixed forests and madrone/deciduous mixed forests. The Pacific madrone is found along many ridges and bluffs where drainage is sharp and the exposure is hot. Seedlings are found not only among more mature stands, but also in sites with extreme conditions that mimic the preferred natural habitat, such as riprap banks along I-5. Larger trees are scattered throughout the city in remnant stands.
Deciduous Forest Photo: Schmitz Park Areas with at least 25% canopy coverage, of which at least 70% is composed of deciduous trees. Usually composed of alder, maple and cottonwood in Seattle. The smaller size classes cover areas clinging to our many sliding hillsides or regenerating from previous disturbances, such as old clearcuts or old farms. Larger size classes may be pre-settlement remnants, stands passed over in favor of more valuable timber trees, areas that have had a longer recovery time, or sites occupied by species, particularly cottonwood, whose rapid growth rates enable a quick journey to large girth.
Riparian Forest Photo: Lakeridge Park Areas with at least 25% canopy coverage within the zone of influence of a stream. Common trees are cottonwood, willow, and alder. Cedar and spruce may be present, though much less common. These forests differ from the stream classifications (Riverine consolidated substrate, Riverine unconsolidated substrate) in that the area impacted by or contributing to a stream's water table, such as its floodplain, is well-connected to the stream itself.

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