Sparks v. Douglas County

— Mr. and Mrs. Sparks appeal from a judgment for $6,365.33 against Douglas County for the destruction of seven fruit-bearing trees in their orchard. They contend the judgment sum must be trebled under RCW 64.12.030. We reverse in part and remand for trebling of damages.

In the spring of 1950, Mr. Sparks was contacted regarding a request by Douglas County to extend Columbia Drive, now Empire Way, through his property. Mr. Sparks agreed to remove one row of fruit trees, which would become the center of the road, and to grant the County a right of way which would extend to the next row of trees…