Tacoma, WA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Min trunk diameter
- 30 in. DBH, or 65% of record
- Who reviews nominations
- Urban Forestry Program Section
- Who may nominate
- owner, or resident with owner consent
- Registry
- public list; plaques on public trees
- Applies to
- trees within Tacoma city limits
Summary
Tacoma's Heritage Tree Program lets a property owner, or a resident with the owner's consent, nominate an exceptionally large, old, or historic tree for City designation. Qualifying trees need a trunk at least 30 inches in diameter, or 65 percent of the state record for that species.
To qualify as a heritage tree, the minimum trunk diameter (DBH) must be a minimum of the lessor of 30 inches or 65 percent of the largest documented diameter for a tree of that species in Washington as established in the most recent edition of the publication "Champion Trees of Washington State" by author Robert Van Pelt, published by University of Washington Press.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 9.20.400 creates the Heritage Tree Program to recognize trees that add to Tacoma's canopy, scenic beauty, and history. To qualify under TMC § 9.20.420, a tree must be healthy, located within City limits, considered irreplaceable for its size, age, cultural or ecological value, and meet a minimum trunk diameter equal to the lesser of 30 inches DBH or 65 percent of the largest documented Washington specimen of that species. The property owner can nominate a tree directly; any resident, City official, or employee needs the owner's written consent. The City's Urban Forestry Program Section reviews and approves applications, keeps a public list of designated trees, and can place plaques on public-property trees.
Violations & Fines
This is a recognition program, not a removal ban: nominating or skipping a tree carries no penalty. Removal restrictions apply only to designated public-property heritage trees, covered separately under TMC § 9.20.460.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does a tree need to be to qualify as a Tacoma heritage tree?
Who can nominate a tree for Tacoma's Heritage Tree Program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle heritage & protected trees.