Tree Protection in Lakewood, WA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Lakewood, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Lakewood, Washington, in Pierce County, lets any tree be designated a heritage tree for historical, cultural or environmental significance under LMC 2.48.040(D). Once designated, the tree must be retained; removing it requires a permit under LMC 18A.70.320(G), granted only on specific health, safety or infrastructure grounds.
Lakewood WA Heritage Tree Designation & Removal
Significant RestrictionsLMC 2.48.040(D); LMC 18A.70.320(G)
D. A tree may be designated as a heritage tree due to its historical, cultural, or environmental significance to the community. The purpose of the heritage tree designation is to ensure additional measures of protection and maintenance for trees with unique characteristics, historical importance, or cultural significance. The nomination and designation process shall follow LMC 2.48.050 and 2.48...
Protected Tree Species
Lakewood, Washington singles out the Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) for protection wherever it grows in the city, under LMC 18A.70.330. The threshold is a 4-inch trunk diameter, far below the 9-inch mark that triggers protection for other significant trees, and healthy oaks may be removed only under specific conditions with 2:1 replacement.
Lakewood WA Oregon White Oak Protection
Significant RestrictionsLMC 18A.70.330
The Oregon white oak, quercus garryana, also known as Garry oak, is a native tree designated by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a priority habitat. In Lakewood, individual trees and stands of trees are protected as critical fish and wildlife habitat area under Chapter 14.154 LMC, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas. ... Individual Oregon white oak trees or stands with average DBH of g...
Parkway Planting
Lakewood requires street trees at least 3 inches in diameter at planting, placed within the street right-of-way under the City Engineer's direction, per LMC 18A.70.170. Trees within 5 feet of pavement or sidewalk need a root control barrier, and removal requires the City Engineer's prior approval.
Street Tree Planting Standards in Lakewood, Washington
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.70.170(A), (B)(1)-(3)
A. Applicability. ... This section applies to projects that require street trees in order to fulfill a landscaping standard, and to all projects that are installing street trees unrelated to other landscaping or street improvements. ... ... 1. A minimum of three (3) inches in diameter at the time of planting. 2. Street trees shall be located and placed within the street rights-of-way in accorda...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Tree Protection in Pierce County →