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Tree Removal Permits in Washington

Understand local permit requirements before removing protected, hazardous, street, or replacement trees across Washington communities.

Tree Removal Permits

Tree removal permits help property owners confirm local approval, documentation, and inspection requirements before scheduling regulated tree removal work.

Protected Trees

Protected trees may require special authorization because of their size, species, location, environmental value, or development-related preservation status.

Hazard Trees

Hazard trees pose potential risks through decay, instability, storm damage, failing roots, dead limbs, or weakened structural connections.

Street Trees

Street trees growing within public rights-of-way usually need city approval before pruning, removal, replacement, or nearby construction activity.

Replacement Trees

Replacement trees may be required after removal to restore canopy coverage, meet permit conditions, and support long-term community landscaping.

Tree Removal Permit Requirements by City

Everett, WA

Everett property owners should review local planning and right-of-way rules before arranging regulated tree work.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Everett, WA?

A Public Works permit is generally unnecessary for private tree removal itself. However, Planning should confirm whether removal is allowed, while right-of-way construction or temporary sidewalk, parking-lane, travel-lane, or dumpster use may require separate city approval.

Which Trees Are Protected in Everett?

Trees may receive protection when located within critical areas, required buffers, approved landscaping, regulated developments, or designated public spaces.

  • Confirm critical-area and buffer boundaries.
  • Review required landscaping before removal.
  • Check public-tree protections with Everett.

How Does Everett Handle Hazard Trees?

Hazard trees inside critical areas or required buffers need city approval. Applications require a land-use form, site plan or aerial image, tree photographs, and replacement details before hazardous tree removal can proceed through Everett’s permitting process.

What Rules Apply to Everett Street Trees?

Work affecting public trees requires city authorization. A project permit applies before private individuals alter trees on public land, while temporary sidewalk, parking-lane, or travel-lane closures also require official Traffic Street Use approval from Everett.

Are Replacement Trees Required in Everett?

Everett may require replacement planting when a removed tree fulfilled code-required landscaping or stood within a critical area or buffer. For approved hazard-tree removals in regulated areas, two native replacement trees must be planted for every tree removed.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Everett’s official website.

Marysville property owners should confirm ownership, protected-area status, clearing limits, and right-of-way responsibilities before beginning regulated tree work.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Marysville, WA?

Private tree removal outside protected areas or stream buffers may proceed without a specific tree permit. However, a clearing and grading permit may be required for regulated buffers, environmentally sensitive areas, extensive clearing, or qualifying excavation work.

Which Trees Receive Protection in Marysville?

Marysville protects trees and vegetation within Native Growth Protection Areas, stream buffers, critical areas, and required landscaping. Removal generally requires ownership verification and city review.

  • Confirm protected-area boundaries before work.
  • Obtain association approval when required.
  • Preserve vegetation within regulated buffers.

How Are Hazard Trees Managed in Marysville?

Hazard trees within protected areas should be reviewed by Community Development before removal. Diseased or dangerous trees inside stream buffers may require professional documentation, while property owners remain responsible for arranging and covering approved hazardous tree removal work.

What Rules Apply to Marysville Street Trees?

Trees on public rights-of-way, parks, or city-owned tracts should not be privately removed without authorization. Public Works addresses roadway hazards and visibility concerns, while property owners must maintain required clearance around sidewalks, streets, and neighboring public spaces.

When Must Marysville Trees Be Replaced?

Replacement planting may be required when removed trees were part of approved landscaping or development requirements. City plans may specify replacement species, planting sizes, frontage spacing, installation locations, and ongoing maintenance responsibilities for newly planted trees.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Marysville’s official website.

Lake Stevens property owners should review tree-retention, land-disturbance, critical-area, and right-of-way requirements before beginning regulated tree work.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Lake Stevens, WA?

Lake Stevens does not use one universal permit for every private tree removal. Permits or land-use review may apply when clearing reaches regulated thresholds, affects significant-tree retention, occurs within critical areas, supports development, or involves forest-practice activities.

Which Trees Receive Protection in Lake Stevens?

Significant trees, significant tree stands, retained shade trees, and vegetation inside critical areas may receive protection during clearing or development review.

  • Retain required shade trees onsite.
  • Protect significant trees during construction.
  • Confirm critical-area boundaries before clearing.

How Are Hazard Trees Managed in Lake Stevens?

Emergency hazardous tree removal may be exempt when a tree creates a clear and imminent danger to people or property. Hazard trees within critical areas generally need a qualified arborist’s recommendation, documented risk assessment, and city approval before removal.

What Rules Apply to Lake Stevens Street Trees?

Work within a public right-of-way requires city authorization, and the city engineer may direct tree removal for safety or roadway maintenance. Owners must also prevent branches or vegetation from obstructing sidewalks, streets, visibility, or public access.

When Must Lake Stevens Trees Be Replaced?

When protected or significant trees are removed through development review, Lake Stevens may require replacement planting. If every replacement tree cannot fit onsite, mitigation may include planting on approved public property or paying into the city’s tree fund.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Lake Stevens’ official website and municipal code. (lakestevenswa.gov)

Arlington property owners should verify tree classification, replacement duties, right-of-way permits, and arborist documentation before scheduling removal.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Arlington, WA?

Arlington uses a tree evaluation application for regulated tree removal. Significant trees, street trees, dangerous trees, and larger clearing projects may trigger review, while forest-practice permits apply when proposed removal reaches acreage or timber-volume thresholds.

Which Trees Receive Protection in Arlington?

Arlington regulates significant trees based on trunk diameter and property conditions. Development sites must also preserve required landscaping, screening, and residential tree coverage unless removal receives city approval.

  • Confirm trees meet significant-tree thresholds.
  • Preserve required residential tree coverage.
  • Review landscaping and screening obligations.

How Are Hazard Trees Managed in Arlington?

Arlington defines a hazard tree as one posing imminent danger to people or property, supported by written documentation from a state-certified arborist. Dangerous, damaging, diseased, or hazardous trees generally require city review and one-for-one replacement.

What Rules Apply to Arlington Street Trees?

Any tree removal within Arlington’s public right-of-way requires a right-of-way permit from the city’s Permit Center. Approved street-tree removals require equivalent replacement species, and new plantings must follow city spacing, placement, root-barrier, and landscaping standards.

When Must Arlington Trees Be Replaced?

Removing a significant tree generally requires three replacement trees or an approved mitigation payment. Street trees and dangerous, hazardous, damaging, or diseased trees require one-for-one replacement, while residential properties must maintain minimum front-yard and backyard tree coverage.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Arlington’s official website. (Arlington)

Mukilteo property owners should verify tree size, protected-area boundaries, hazard documentation, and right-of-way approvals before arranging removal.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Mukilteo, WA?

Tree removal requires city review. A permit applies to any tree in wetlands, stream buffers, Native Growth Protection Areas, or slopes over forty percent, plus qualifying evergreens eight inches and deciduous trees twelve inches or larger outside protected areas.

Which Trees Are Protected in Mukilteo?

Mukilteo protects significant trees, critical-area vegetation, retained development trees, and trees covered by recorded site requirements.

  • Confirm protected-area boundaries before removal.
  • Preserve required development tree retention.
  • Review recorded site restrictions carefully.

How Does Mukilteo Handle Hazard Trees?

Trees presenting an immediate threat may be removed before approval, but a permit must follow so the city can evaluate mitigation. Additional removals within the permit interval may require a certified arborist to document an unavoidable safety hazard.

What Rules Apply to Mukilteo Street Trees?

Tree work affecting Mukilteo rights-of-way requires Public Works coordination and an engineering or right-of-way permit. Applications may need a site plan and traffic-control materials, while suspected public tree hazards should be reported directly to the city.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Mukilteo?

Replacement requirements depend on the removed tree’s diameter and site conditions. Mukilteo generally requires regional native trees, with larger removals producing higher replacement ratios; root guards may also be required when new trees are planted near sidewalks or roads.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Mukilteo’s official website. (Mukilteo)

Edmonds property owners should review zoning, critical areas, development status, hazard documentation, and right-of-way rules before removing trees.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Edmonds, WA?

A permit is unnecessary on some developed, non-subdividable single-family properties without critical areas. Permits or documentation apply to subdividable sites, unimproved lots, multifamily or commercial properties, critical areas, hazard or nuisance trees, and trees within public rights-of-way.

Which Trees Are Protected in Edmonds?

Edmonds protects trees designated through approved retention plans, replacement requirements, easements, tracts, covenants, or recorded development conditions.

  • Review approved tree retention plans.
  • Check recorded property protection notices.
  • Preserve trees during nearby construction.

How Does Edmonds Handle Hazard Trees?

A documented hazard tree may not need a standard removal permit, but the city must review supporting materials before work. Emergency action involving imminent danger may proceed first, followed by required post-event review, photographs, and applicable compliance documentation.

What Rules Apply to Edmonds Street Trees?

Trees located within the public right-of-way require a right-of-way permit and coordination with Edmonds Engineering. Property owners should confirm ownership before authorizing tree removal, because separate standards apply to public trees, sidewalks, utilities, and adjacent transportation infrastructure.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Edmonds?

Hazard trees removed from critical areas generally require two native replacements for each tree removed. Development projects may also trigger retention percentages, onsite replanting, or fee-in-lieu obligations based on tree size, property type, and the approved development plan.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Edmonds’ official website.

Lynnwood property owners should confirm permit class, tree significance, heritage status, replanting duties, and planting-strip responsibilities before removal.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Lynnwood, WA?

Lynnwood requires a valid permit before tree removal on any property, including single-family lots. Class I review generally covers smaller developed residential lots, while larger properties or proposals outside Class I criteria require broader Class II review.

Which Trees Are Protected in Lynnwood?

Lynnwood protects heritage trees, significant trees measuring six inches or more, retained trees, and trees covered by approved preservation plans.

  • Identify heritage trees before removal.
  • Measure significant trees at breast height.
  • Follow approved preservation plan conditions.

How Does Lynnwood Handle Hazard Trees?

Hazard claims do not automatically remove the permitting requirement. Lynnwood may request supporting photographs, site details, or professional tree information before approving work, especially when instability, decay, nearby structures, critical areas, or public access create additional concerns.

What Rules Apply to Lynnwood Street Trees?

Trees behind curbs and within planting strips remain subject to Lynnwood’s permit rules, while adjacent owners maintain planting strips. Work affecting streets, sidewalks, traffic, or public infrastructure may also require city coordination and compliance with right-of-way requirements.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Lynnwood?

Class I projects may require replanting when removal exceeds two significant trees or forty percent of onsite significant trees. Class II approvals can specify replacement locations and species, additional fees, and financial bonds supporting successful establishment and maintenance.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Lynnwood’s official website.

Mill Creek property owners should verify tree diameter, buffer location, preservation plans, arborist requirements, and right-of-way impacts before removal.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Mill Creek, WA?

Mill Creek requires a permit before removing any tree measuring six inches or more in diameter at four and one-half feet above ground. Trees inside critical-area, roadway, or property buffers require approval regardless of their measured trunk size.

Which Trees Are Protected in Mill Creek?

Mill Creek protects trees identified by approved preservation plans, development conditions, critical-area buffers, roadway buffers, and property buffers.

  • Review recorded tree preservation plans.
  • Confirm all regulated buffer boundaries.
  • Protect retained trees during construction.

How Does Mill Creek Handle Hazard Trees?

Diseased or hazardous trees still require permit review when they meet regulated size or location thresholds. The city may require an arborist report to verify health, structural condition, failure risk, and whether reasonable alternatives can address the concern.

What Rules Apply to Mill Creek Street Trees?

New street trees must come from Mill Creek’s approved species list to reduce conflicts with sidewalks, utilities, and overhead wires. Removal or other work affecting public rights-of-way may also require a separate right-of-way permit and traffic considerations.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Mill Creek?

Replacement requirements depend on the applicable preservation plan, development approval, buffer standards, and permit decision. The city may specify replacement species, planting locations, or mitigation measures when protected trees are removed, damaged, or cannot remain safely onsite.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Mill Creek’s official website. (City of Mill Creek)

Snohomish property owners should check tree classification, annual removal allowances, hazard documentation, critical areas, and replacement ratios before work.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Snohomish, WA?

Snohomish processes nonexempt significant or public tree removal through a Type I permit. Some private trees below significant, protected, or heritage classifications may be exempt with advance city notification, provided they are outside critical areas and other recorded protections.

Which Trees Are Protected in Snohomish?

Protected and heritage trees receive additional safeguards, while significant trees within critical areas, buffers, NGPAs, and shared tracts face stricter limits.

  • Identify protected or heritage status.
  • Check critical areas and buffers.
  • Review shared tract ownership restrictions.

How Does Snohomish Handle Hazard Trees?

A protected tree may be removed only after a qualified tree professional determines it is hazardous. Other hazard removals require supporting risk documentation, with separate critical-area requirements when the tree stands within a regulated area or associated buffer.

What Rules Apply to Snohomish Street Trees?

Public trees cannot be removed, excessively pruned, or topped outside authorized procedures. Public Works may handle qualifying emergencies or municipal work, although a separate right-of-way permit can still apply when tree activity affects streets, paths, or public infrastructure.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Snohomish?

Snohomish applies different replacement ratios by classification, including higher requirements for significant, protected, and heritage trees. Street trees and trees within critical areas generally require one-for-one replacement, with minimum planting sizes based on evergreen or deciduous type.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Snohomish’s official website. (Snohomish.gov)

Monroe property owners should confirm land-clearing, critical-area, shoreline, development, and right-of-way requirements with the Permit Center before removing trees.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Monroe, WA?

Monroe does not appear to require one universal permit for every private tree. Approval may still apply when tree removal involves land clearing, forest practices, development conditions, shorelines, critical areas, regulated buffers, or work within a public right-of-way.

Which Trees Are Protected in Monroe?

Monroe protects trees retained through development approvals, critical-area regulations, recorded plans, and site-specific landscaping conditions.

  • Review approved development plans carefully.
  • Confirm critical-area and buffer limits.
  • Check recorded landscaping obligations first.

How Does Monroe Handle Hazard Trees?

Hazard-tree requirements depend on location and surrounding regulations. Trees within critical areas, approved developments, or public spaces may need professional documentation and city review, while immediate public hazards should be reported to Public Works before private action is arranged.

What Rules Apply to Monroe Street Trees?

Monroe uses an approved street-tree list, and planting within the strip between sidewalk and street requires a right-of-way disturbance permit. Adjacent owners maintain vegetation and must preserve required clearance above streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian routes.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Monroe?

Monroe has not applied a universal citywide replacement standard to every private removal. Replanting may still be required by development approvals, critical-area mitigation, shoreline conditions, landscaping plans, or street-tree requirements established for new subdivisions and frontage improvements.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Monroe’s official website. (Monroe WA)

Woodinville property owners should review significant-tree status, removal allowances, hazard evidence, critical areas, and public-property restrictions before scheduling work.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Woodinville, WA?

Woodinville requires a permit for proposals involving significant-tree removal unless a specific code exemption applies. Applications are reviewed through Development Services, and the allowable number of healthy trees may depend on the property, timeframe, and removal purpose.

Which Trees Are Protected in Woodinville?

Woodinville protects significant trees, retained development trees, critical-area vegetation, and trees governed by approved tree-protection plans.

  • Confirm significant-tree status before removal.
  • Review approved tree protection plans.
  • Check critical-area restrictions and buffers.

How Does Woodinville Handle Hazard Trees?

Dead, nuisance, or hazard trees may receive different treatment from healthy-tree removals, and larger requests may require professional support. A certified arborist can document condition, risk, and whether pruning or other measures could reasonably reduce the danger.

What Rules Apply to Woodinville Street Trees?

Trees on public property or within rights-of-way require city coordination before removal or major alteration. Woodinville also evaluates sidewalk hazards caused by roots and may consider tree removal, replacement, root cutting, or another infrastructure-focused solution.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Woodinville?

Replacement and mitigation requirements depend on tree classification, permit conditions, development tree credits, and site constraints. Applications may need planting information, while city review determines whether replacement trees, revised locations, or alternative mitigation are necessary for approval.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Woodinville’s official website. (City of Woodinville)

Kirkland property owners should verify tree diameter, notification eligibility, landmark status, critical areas, hazard evidence, and public-tree requirements before removal.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Kirkland, WA?

Many private removals begin through Kirkland’s tree-removal notification process. A full permit is required when the proposal cannot qualify through notification, involves a landmark tree, affects a critical area, or depends on hazard or nuisance criteria for approval.

Which Trees Are Protected in Kirkland?

Kirkland protects landmark trees, recorded groves, preservation covenants, Native Growth Protection Easements, critical-area trees, and retained development trees.

  • Identify landmark trees before removal.
  • Review covenants and protected groves.
  • Confirm critical-area restrictions with staff.

How Does Kirkland Handle Hazard Trees?

Hazard-tree permits require an arborist holding current tree-risk credentials. When a tree presents an imminent threat to life or property, removal may occur first, but the city must receive notification and supporting evidence within seven days.

What Rules Apply to Kirkland Street Trees?

Pruning or removing a tree on public property, including rights-of-way and parks, requires a city permit. Public removals must meet hazard or nuisance criteria, although narrowly defined minor pruning by adjacent owners may occur without formal approval.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Kirkland?

Permit applications generally require an arborist report and replanting plan. Replacement duties depend on tree classification, site conditions, and applicable code standards, with landmark trees, critical-area removals, development projects, and protected groves receiving additional review and mitigation requirements.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Kirkland’s official website. (Kirkland, Washington)

Redmond property owners should verify significant-tree size, landmark status, annual allowances, hazard documentation, and replacement requirements before arranging removal.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Redmond, WA?

Redmond requires city authorization before removing a significant tree measuring at least six inches in diameter. Annual removal limits apply by property type, while landmark trees over thirty inches or proposals exceeding code standards require an approved exception request.

Which Trees Are Protected in Redmond?

Redmond protects landmark trees, Native Growth Protection Areas or Easements, recorded preservation trees, critical-area trees, and retained development trees.

  • Measure tree diameter before applying.
  • Identify recorded protection designations first.
  • Review critical areas on property.

How Does Redmond Handle Hazard Trees?

Hazard-tree requests may require a declaration, health assessment, or arborist report. During an emergency involving imminent danger, a tree may be removed before approval, but Redmond requires a retroactive permit and documentation supporting the urgent action.

What Rules Apply to Redmond Street Trees?

Tree trimming or removal within Redmond’s public right-of-way requires a right-of-way use permit. Work affecting streets, sidewalks, utilities, access, or public landscaping must be coordinated with the city before crews begin or occupy public space.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Redmond?

Each approved significant-tree removal requires one replacement tree, while an approved landmark-tree exception requires three. Replacement trees should be primarily native to the Pacific Northwest and planted in suitable locations supporting healthy growth and long-term canopy restoration.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Redmond’s official website. (Redmond)

Bellevue property owners should review tree classification, lot-size allowances, hazard documentation, critical areas, and public-property boundaries before removal.

Are Tree Removal Permits Required in Bellevue, WA?

Bellevue requires a permit to remove significant or landmark trees, including removals within annual residential allowances. Applications are submitted as clearing and grading permits, while shoreline, critical-area, development, and buffer conditions can trigger additional review requirements.

Which Trees Are Protected in Bellevue?

Bellevue protects significant trees, landmark trees, retained development trees, shoreline vegetation, and trees within critical areas or associated buffers.

  • Identify significant and landmark trees.
  • Check shoreline and critical areas.
  • Review development retention requirements carefully.

How Does Bellevue Handle Hazard Trees?

Hazardous trees must be evaluated by a qualified tree professional. Annual limits and standard replanting thresholds do not apply to verified hazards, while emergency removals require photographs, professional documentation when available, and a permit application after removal.

What Rules Apply to Bellevue Street Trees?

The public may not remove, top, or substantially prune trees on Bellevue public property or rights-of-way without approval. City arborists investigate reported concerns, and unauthorized work can lead to substantial civil penalties and possible criminal enforcement.

When Are Replacement Trees Required in Bellevue?

Residential properties may remove limited numbers of significant or landmark trees without replacement when enough trees remain, but a permit is still required. Exceeding lot-based allowances or minimum retention levels can trigger replacement planting under Bellevue’s current standards.

Official Source: Information adapted from the City of Bellevue’s official website. (bellevuewa.gov)

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal Permits

Do I Need a Tree Removal Permit in Everett, WA?

A public works permit is generally unnecessary for private tree removal, but Planning approval may still apply. Separate permits are required when crews close sidewalks, parking lanes, or roads, or when trees are protected by landscaping or critical-area regulations.

A specific permit may not be required for private trees outside protected areas. However, clearing and grading approval may apply within stream buffers, environmentally sensitive areas, Native Growth Protection Areas, or projects involving extensive clearing or excavation.

Permit requirements depend on the property and project. Clearing, development, critical-area activity, and work affecting significant-tree retention standards may require city review. Property owners should contact the Permit Center before beginning regulated tree removal.

Yes. Arlington prohibits removing trees within city limits without prior approval and a permit. Additional right-of-way approval may be required for public trees, while larger clearing projects can trigger separate land-use or forest-practice requirements.

Yes, when regulated size or location thresholds apply. Permits are required for trees in protected areas, evergreens measuring eight inches or more, and deciduous trees measuring twelve inches or more in diameter at breast height.

Yes. Woodinville requires a permit for proposals involving significant tree removal unless a municipal-code exemption applies. The application may require tree details, a site plan, replacement information, and supporting documentation concerning the condition or removal purpose.

Yes. Kirkland requires a notification or permit for regulated trees measuring six inches or more in diameter. Landmark trees, critical-area trees, protected groves, hazard trees, and public trees follow additional application and documentation requirements.

Do I Need a Tree Removal Permit in Edmonds, WA?

Requirements depend on property type and location. Some developed single-family lots outside critical areas may qualify without a permit, while subdividable, commercial, multifamily, critical-area, right-of-way, and regulated development properties generally require approval.

Yes. Lynnwood uses Class I and Class II permits for regulated tree removal. The appropriate permit depends on property size, development status, tree significance, and the number or percentage of significant trees proposed for removal.

Yes. Mill Creek requires a permit before removing trees measuring six inches or more in diameter. Trees inside critical-area, roadway, or property buffers may require approval regardless of size, with additional review for protected locations.

Regulated tree removal may require a city permit or another approved process based on tree classification, location, and exemptions. Property owners should review Snohomish’s current Tree Program Use Guide before removing significant, protected, heritage, or public trees.

A city tree-removal request or other permit may be required depending on the property, tree location, and project scope. Land clearing, development, critical areas, shorelines, forest practices, or right-of-way activity can trigger additional city review.

Yes. Redmond requires a permit before removing a significant tree measuring at least six inches in diameter. Landmark trees, removals exceeding annual allowances, hazard trees, and projects outside standard requirements may need additional documentation or approval.

Yes. Bellevue requires a permit for removing significant or landmark trees, including trees within annual residential allowances. Hazard trees, critical areas, shorelines, public property, development landscaping, and removals exceeding allowance limits follow additional requirements.