Think before you cut down Seattle trees to improve your view. It could cost you

The City of Seattle has settled a civil lawsuit against a homeowner in the Mount Baker neighborhood and a landscaping company for $125,000 after they cut trees in a city park to improve the homeowner’s view.

The unpermitted tree cutting occurred in Mt. Claire Park, in what the Seattle Parks & Recreation Department said was "an environmentally critical area on a steep slope near the defendant's home."

According to the city, the homeowner, Brad Gandt, and All Four Seasons Landscape and Maintenance LLC, based in Tulalip, Washington, "were responsible for damaging multiple trees of varying sizes and damaging recent restoration efforts" in the park, which is just up from the west shore of Lake Washington.

Gandt and All Four Seasons have repaid the entire $125,000, which is being used to restore the damage in Mt. Claire Park and other natural areas in the city, according to a statement Tuesday announcing the settlement.

"Our hope is for this settlement to serve as a reminder that no person or company is authorized to cut trees on public land without permission," said Anthony-Paul Diaz, superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation.

The Mount Baker neighborhood in southeast Seattle is named for the view residents looking north over Lake Washington have on clear days of Mount Baker in Whatcom County — that is, if there are no trees to block the view.