SEATTLE — A young, recently planted tree was sawed off and stolen from Miller Park in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, leaving many to believe it was illegally taken as a self-serve Christmas tree.

The cut appears to be fresh with sap on the surface of the remaining trunk.

"It's a bummer; they're clearly young trees. It's nice to have that greenery and coverage in your neighborhood," said Sydney Thompson, who lives near Miller Playfield.

According to the city's database, the tree is one of three Douglas Firs near the corner of East Thomas Street and 21st Avenue.

The others stand approximately 4-5 feet tall.

Thompson believes they were planted during the summer.

"I know you can get a permit to chop down a tree in the forest," Amy Baer pointed out. "Do that! Don't chop down our cit

See Full Page