Property owners may trim their own trees in Spokane without a permit. Trimming into public right-of-way requires coordination with Spokane Urban Forestry. Overhanging branches into neighboring property may be trimmed to the property line.
Spokane generally permits homeowners to prune trees on their own property without a city permit, provided the work does not damage or remove a regulated heritage tree. Street trees in the public right-of-way (typically planting strip between sidewalk and curb) are protected under SMC Chapter 12.02; trimming requires a permit from Spokane Urban Forestry and must be performed by a qualified arborist. Topping of street trees is prohibited. Under Washington common law, neighbors may trim branches that overhang onto their property back to the property line but may not cross onto the neighbors property or damage the trees health. Utility line clearance pruning by Avista is allowed without permit. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists are recommended for significant work.
Illegal trimming of street trees: fines up to $500 plus tree replacement costs. Damaging neighbors tree: civil liability up to 3x damages under RCW 64.12.030.
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See how Spokane's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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