Bellingham, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

No person shall perform major pruning or remove trees in planting strips, improved rights-of-way, or other public places, or cause or authorize any person to trim, prune or remove trees in public places, without first filing an application and procuring a street tree permit from the city.

1. Application Data. The application required herein shall state the kind, size and condition of trees to be trimmed or removed; the kind of trimming to be administered; and such other information as the director of parks and recreation department shall find reasonably necessary to a fair determination of whether a permit should issue hereunder.

2. Standards for Issuance. The director of parks and recreation department shall issue the permit provided for herein when they find that the desired action or treatment is necessary and that the proposed method and workmanship are satisfactory.

3. Major Pruning. The city may require that the pruning be performed by a licensed tree trimmer. This determination will be made as a part of the street tree permit process.

4. Tree topping, as defined in BMC 13.40.030, is unlawful as a normal practice. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this section at the determination of the director of the parks and recreation department.