Everett, WA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- EMC Chapter 8.40, Tree Management
- Administered by
- Director of Parks and Recreation
- Coverage
- Streets, rights-of-way, parkway strips citywide
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine per day (misdemeanor)
Summary
Everett's parks and recreation director runs the city's public tree management program, which sets planting standards for street trees, parkway strips, parks and other public rights-of-way across the city.
In consultation with the parks commission, planning commission and public works department, the director of parks and recreation or his/her designee, shall develop and implement a public tree policy consistent with other city regulations designed to provide an orderly program of tree management. Such program shall include all public property and rights-of-way including parks, public greenbelts and other city-owned property except Lake Chaplain. ... A. The setting of standards for the planting, maintenance, protection, preservation, removal and replacement of existing trees;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Everett Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 puts the parks and recreation director in charge of all tree planting, maintenance and removal on city streets, rights-of-way and public property citywide (EMC 8.40.030), including the parkway strips between sidewalk and curb. Under EMC 8.40.040, the director develops a public tree management program that sets standards for planting, protection and replacement of these public trees, aiming for no net loss of forest canopy on city-owned land and right-of-way. Interfering with city planting, maintenance or removal crews in the right-of-way is a separate misdemeanor under EMC 8.40.110.
Violations & Fines
Interfering with city tree planting, maintenance or removal in the right-of-way is a misdemeanor under EMC 8.40.110, punishable by up to $1,000 per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the parkway strip in front of my Everett home?
What happens if I remove a city street tree without permission?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle parkway planting.