Everett, WA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

A tree that is an active nest site for a species of local or state importance or provides critical habitat such as an eagle perch, or other listed threatened or endangered species, shall not be pruned.

(7) Topping trees or pruning trees in excess of thirty-three percent is considered a nonhazardous tree removal activity and therefore must comply with subsection (B)(3)(c) of this section.

(8) Once a tree is permitted to be pruned, it may be continued to be pruned but may not be pruned beyond thirty-three percent of the tree’s original crown.

b. Hazard Tree Removal With Replanting. The removal of hazard trees from critical areas and required buffers subject to the replanting of native trees to maintain critical area and buffer functions. Hazard trees are those trees that pose a threat to public safety, or pose an imminent risk of damage to private property.

(1) The director may determine that a tree or trees pose an apparent hazard or threat to public safety and approve their removal. The director may require, at the owner’s cost, a tree risk assessment and recommendation from a certified arborist, registered landscape architect or professional forester that:

(A) Identifies the trees proposed to be removed.

(B) Concludes the tree condition constitutes a hazard to life or property.

(C) Assesses the feasibility of snag retention.