Tree Protection in Seattle, WA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Seattle designates heritage trees as Tier 1 under SMC 25.11.050 and bars removing or topping them on any lot, developed or undeveloped, unless the tree is hazardous or an emergency action applies under SMC 25.11.030 or 25.11.040. Even when a lot is being developed, Tier 1 trees still cannot be removed for construction convenience.
Seattle Heritage (Tier 1) Tree Protection
Heavy RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 25.11.050
A.The removal or topping of the following trees is prohibited, except as provided in Section 25.11.020 and as performed in accordance with Sections 25.11.030 and 25.11.040:1.When no development is proposed, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 trees on undeveloped lots in all zones;2.When no development is proposed, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 trees on developed lots in all zones, except a...
Protected 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...
Parkway Planting
Seattle requires street trees for any development adding a dwelling unit under SMC 23.44.120.G. SDCI's Director and the Seattle Department of Transportation jointly set the number, species and spacing planted in the right-of-way planting strip, and existing street trees can't be removed without SDOT's approval.
Seattle Street Tree Planting Requirements
Some RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 23.44.120.G
G. Street tree requirements 1. Street trees are required for development that would add one or more principal dwelling units on a lot, except as provided in subsection 23.44.120.G.2 and Section 23.53.015. Existing street trees shall be retained unless the Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation approves their removal. The Director, in consultation with the Director of the Seattle D...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Tree Protection in King County →