Tree Care in Seattle, WA
Dense urban lots, steep hillsides, and some of the largest urban conifers in the country — Seattle tree work is genuinely complex, and we are built for it.
Trees in Seattle
Seattle's urban forest is dominated by massive Douglas fir and western red cedar, many of which predate the homes built around them. In neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Magnolia, and West Seattle, these trees grow on steep slopes, over tight lots, and within feet of structures — which makes every removal and pruning job a technical challenge.
The city's tree code has grown stricter in recent years, with protections for exceptional trees and requirements for replacement plantings. Property owners doing renovations or new construction often need arborist reports and tree protection plans before permits are issued.
Tree Services in Seattle
Tree Pruning
Structural and aesthetic pruning for health, clearance, and safety.
Tree Removal
Safe removal of hazardous, dead, or unwanted trees — including crane-assisted.
Hazard Tree Assessment
ISA-certified evaluation of structural risk, disease, and failure potential.
Storm Response
24/7 emergency removal of storm-damaged, fallen, or leaning trees.
Stump Grinding
Complete stump removal below grade for a clean, plant-ready surface.
Plant Health Care
Deep-root fertilization, pest treatment, and proactive health programs.
Arborist Reports
Written ISA-certified condition assessments for permits and planning.
Tree Permits & Removal Rules in Seattle
Seattle's tree ordinance (SMC 25.11) protects exceptional trees and regulates removal on private property. The code requires permits for removing trees over a certain diameter and mandates replacement plantings in many cases. Development sites may also need tree protection plans. We help navigate these requirements.
Seattle SMC 25.11 — Tree ProtectionServing Seattle Property Owners
Homeowners
From Capitol Hill bungalows to Magnolia view properties, we handle the pruning, removal, and health care that Seattle homes require.
HOAs
Dense multi-building communities across Seattle rely on us for scheduled maintenance, hazard assessments, and clear written records.
Property Managers
We work with property management companies across the city to keep portfolios compliant with Seattle tree code.
Commercial Properties
South Lake Union, Belltown, and SoDo commercial properties trust our commercial maintenance agreements.
Areas We Serve in Seattle
Seattle Tree Care Questions
Seattle regulates tree removal under SMC 25.11. Trees over a certain diameter and exceptional trees require permits, and replacement plantings may be required. The rules differ for single-family lots versus development sites. We help you determine what applies before scheduling.
Dormant-season pruning (November through February) is ideal for most deciduous trees. For large conifers, we avoid major pruning during extreme heat or heavy rain. If you are planning spring construction, schedule tree protection planning well in advance.
If a tree has fallen on a structure, vehicle, or power line, call 911 or Seattle City Light first. Once the area is safe, call us for 24/7 emergency response. We can stabilize hanging limbs, remove fallen trees, and assess remaining trees for hidden damage.
Seattle's dense lots, steep terrain, and tight access drive cost. Many jobs require crane assistance, traffic control, or specialized rigging to avoid structures. Tree size, condition, and proximity to power lines all factor in. We provide written estimates after an on-site assessment.
Get a Tree Assessment in Seattle
ISA-certified arborist oversight on every project. Written estimates, clear service records, and crews that know Seattle trees.