Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Snohomish County

Snohomish County, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Protective fencing
Min. 3 ft at drip line
Fence signage
"Tree Protection Area"
ROW trimming
First 10 ft, abutting owner
ROW limit
No significant-tree removal
Own-tree pruning
Exempt (SCC 30.25.016(1)(e))

Summary

For new development, retained trees must be fenced at the drip line and not disturbed. Abutting owners may trim weeds, grass, brush and blackberries in the first 10 feet of an unopened right-of-way, but may not cut significant trees there.

City-specific rules exist: Marysville, Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Everett have their own tree trimming rules that differ from Snohomish County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Trimming, pruning, or removal, by an abutting property owner, of weeds, grass, brush, blackberries and other similar vegetation located on the first 10 feet of an unopened deeded right-of-way abutting the property at issue; provided, that: Significant trees...are not removed.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).

Full Breakdown

SCC 30.25.016(7) requires tree-protective fencing along the outer edge of the drip line of retained trees during clearing or construction, at least three feet high, that must not be moved to allow grading, with "Tree Protection Area" signs posted. Separately, SCC 13.10.050(7) lets an abutting property owner trim, prune, or remove weeds, grass, brush, blackberries and similar vegetation in the first 10 feet of an unopened deeded right-of-way abutting their property, provided significant trees (as defined in Title 30) are not removed. Routine pruning and maintenance of trees on your own lot is exempt from tree-canopy rules under SCC 30.25.016(1)(e).

Violations & Fines

Removing or damaging a protected/retained significant tree is subject to a fine under SCC Ch. 30.85 and 3:1 replacement. No fine for ordinary pruning of your own trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clear brush in the right-of-way by my house?
Yes. SCC 13.10.050(7) allows an abutting owner to trim or remove weeds, grass, brush and blackberries in the first 10 feet of an unopened deeded right-of-way, but you may not remove significant trees.
Do I need to fence trees when building?
Yes. On development sites, SCC 30.25.016(7) requires protective fencing at the drip line of retained trees, at least three feet high, posted "Tree Protection Area," left in place during construction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Snohomish County

Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsNative PlantsSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingLight RestrictionsArtificial TurfSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Snohomish County rules

Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview

Get notified when Tree Trimming in Snohomish County, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Tree Trimming in Cities Across Snohomish County

Edmonds, WAEverett, WALynnwood, WAMarysville, WA