What is the Ohana Estates mobile home park in Tacoma doing to save their sequoia trees?

The residents of Ohana Estates are forming a co-op to purchase their community from the current owner, ensuring the 59 giant sequoia trees that border the park remain protected.

How tall are the sequoia trees at Ohana Estates?

According to the article, some of the sequoia trees at Ohana Estates are over 100 feet tall.

Why were the Ohana Estates sequoia trees originally threatened with removal?

The owner, Kelly Verduin, was concerned the sequoia tree roots could damage the nearby sewer line and road, and was considering cutting down the entire row of 59 trees.

Home / Environment / Tacoma Residents Form Co-op to Save 100-Foot Sequoia Forest

Tacoma Residents Form Co-op to Save 100-Foot Sequoia Forest

28 Oct

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Summary

59 giant sequoia trees threatened with removal
Residents plan to start a co-op to buy the community
Trees sequester carbon at 2-3 times the rate of native trees

Tacoma Residents Form Co-op to Save 100-Foot Sequoia Forest

In October 2025, residents of the Ohana Estates mobile home park in Tacoma, Washington learned that the owner planned to cut down 59 giant sequoia trees that border their community. The trees, some over 100 feet tall, have been a beloved part of the neighborhood for decades.

Alarmed by the threat to the iconic sequoias, the residents sprang into action. By January 2026, they plan to start a co-op to purchase the Ohana Estates property from the current owner. This will allow them to preserve the trees and maintain affordable housing for the community.

The owner, Kelly Verduin, says she was concerned the sequoia roots could damage the nearby sewer line and road. However, an arborist has advised that selective root pruning could mitigate these issues. Verduin is now optimistic the sale to the resident co-op will go through, noting it would be a "win-win" for all involved.