Dear Eastmoreland Neighbors,We completely understand the concern, as these are undoubtedly beautiful and mature trees that add so much to this neighborhood.I assure you, we do not take the removal of any trees lightly, but unfortunately these particular trees were posing a danger to the existing home and to the surrounding area; most especially to underground utilities. We work painstakingly to preserve any trees we can when building new homes. However, in this case, the trees do need to be removed, due to displacement of the original house and having grown beyond their expected space.Your concerns should not be directed at our work, but rather a City of Portland code you take issue with. The tree code is laid-out for developers. As homebuilders, we study these parameters and make sure we are within the code. The tree ordinance at the City of Portland is one of the most rigorous in the nation but we encourage you to work with your City representatives to make the changes you wish to see.When these trees were planted in 1857, these types of codes were not in place. No one could predict what the city would grow into. But, today, we are dealing with a booming city as we try to meet the city's objectives of dense and prudent housing.Today, the City has clear tree codes in effect that require planting of new trees when existing trees are removed, to ensure the urban forest and its benefits continue to grow for generations.These particular Redwood trees, while stunning, are best-suited for parks, forests, or huge properties, and should be planted at least 50 feet from a house, sewer and water lines, gas lines and drain lines. In this particular case (as with all of our properties) we brought in an arborist to help us evaluate the specific situation and species. Redwoods have fibrous, spreading root systems, extending many times wider than the canopy, which can damage underground sewer systems, foundations and utilities. Other tree species also present similar root issues and must be carefully spaced. These trees have not been properly maintained over the years and they also have grown well beyond what is considered safe for a city-size lot.When we purchase a property, we always evaluate the existing structure and the vegetation. We take our role seriously as part futurists and part preservationists as inner-city homebuilders.I am not new to Portland nor the history and concerns of Eastmoreland. I presently live in a vintage home in the city of Portland and grew up in a vintage home in the City of Portland. I appreciate what we love about our city.I am also a home builder and as such, it is my responsibility to prudently utilize land in a way that improves on the livability of Portlands neighborhoods; especially when working within a tight urban growth boundary. I do this within the codes created by the City administration.We know that established trees are a value-add to any real estate, if situated correctly. We also plant an average of five new trees on every home site we build; trees which are better suited for the space and will prevent any unforeseen dangers to surrounding homes in decades to come.Here are links with information on the topic:http://www.portlandoregon.gov/trees/https://friendsoftrees.org/meet-us/how-to-plant/yard-tree-placement.We do appreciate your concern. We are currently working with several vendors to see how we can upcycle the trees into something to gift the neighborhood in Eastmoreland. Some possibilities are community benches. If you have any other ideas about how we can do that, we'd be happy to take those under consideration.I understand that all construction within Portland is a delicate process; as change is happening everywhere. This is also why, whenever possible, we utilize the Rebuilding CentersDeConstruction Services, and salvage up to 85% of existing homes we remove from the urban lots.Sometimes change is necessary, but the decisions that get us there arent nearly as easy as they seem.Sincerely,Vic RemmersEverett Custom Homes Vic RemmersEverett Custom Homes