Tree Protection in Seattle, WA (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Seattle requires permits for removal of most significant trees under SMC 25.11, with strict protections for trees over 6 inches in diameter and enhanced rules for exceptional trees (24 inches or larger) on both developed and undeveloped lots.
Seattle Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Seattle Municipal Code 25.11, overhauled in 2023, classifies trees into four tiers. Tier-1 (Exceptional) trees 24+ inch DBH and Tier-2 trees 12–24 inch DBH are highly protected. Removal requires a SDCI tree permit, certified arborist report, public notice, and in-kind replacement or in-lieu fee under the new ordinance.
Seattle Tier-1 Exceptional Tree Protection (SMC 25.11)
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Seattle requires replacement planting when trees are removed, with ratios scaled by the size and tier of the removed tree under SMC 25.11, and an in-lieu payment option when on-site replanting is not feasible.
Seattle Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Seattle has a comprehensive tree protection ordinance (SMC 25.11) that regulates removal of significant trees on both public and private property. Trees 6 inches or larger in diameter generally require a permit to remove. Exceptional trees receive the highest protection.
Seattle Tree Protection Ordinance Overview
Heavy RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Seattle's overhauled Tree Protection Ordinance, SMC 25.11 (effective 2023), creates a tiered system. Tier 1 exceptional trees, Tier 2 heritage trees, and Tier 3 trees over 12-inch DBH need permits and replacement.
2023 Tree Code Update Protects Tier 1-2 Species and Tier 3-4 Trees
Heavy RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code 25.11 — Tree Protection Code (SMC 25.11.130 Tree Service Provider Registry)
Because Seattle's goal is to protect and grow tree canopy cover (one important measure of the health of the urban forest and people who depend on it), Seattle's Tree Protection Code, Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 25.11, limits the number, size, and type of trees that may be removed from private property. [...] Tree Protection on Private Property — Our tree protection requirements vary based on t...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Tree Protection in King County →