Lakewood, WA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

040(D), part of the landmarks chapter, authorizes designating a tree as a heritage tree due to its historical, cultural or environmental significance to the community, with the purpose of ensuring additional protection and maintenance measures for trees carrying unique characteristics or importance. 060, and must include a description of the tree with its address or location, species and size (height, crown spread and diameter at breast height), the reason for designation, and a report from an ISA certified arborist addressing the tree's characteristics, condition and maintenance needs.

70 LMC, Article III, Tree Preservation. 320(G), Heritage Tree Removal, then supplies the operative removal standard: a tree removal permit is required before any heritage tree may be removed, and both City staff and an ISA certified arborist must evaluate the tree before the City decides the permit. Approval is limited to cases where an arborist report demonstrates that alteration or removal is necessary for health and safety, infrastructure operation, protection of existing buildings, or to accomplish reasonable use of property under state law; the code directs that recommendations for care other than removal be considered first.

320(G) is also subject to the article's general replacement requirement in subsection I, which sets a 2:1 diameter-inch on-site replacement ratio (or a 1:1 ratio where canopy coverage or carbon-sequestration criteria are met and documented by an ISA certified arborist), with replacement trees no smaller than three inches in diameter.