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Pruning And Removing Exceptional And Heritage Trees In Seattle: What You Need To Know

May 22, 2023

Eric Ledford

Exceptional Tree Care Tips from a Seattle Arborist

Exceptional And Heritage Trees In Seattle What You Need To Know - Sound Tree Care

Did you know some trees cannot be removed from your Seattle property? It’s true!

As part of Seattle’s efforts to preserve and increase our urban canopy, the city protects certain tree species and trees of a certain diameter. Exceptional and heritage trees require city approval to remove and prune.

In this article, we will explain what the city of Seattle considers an exceptional or heritage tree and what you need to do if you need to remove or prune it back considerably.

What Is An Exceptional or Heritage Tree In Seattle?

The Seattle Department of Construction And Inspections (SDCI) defines an exceptional tree as a tree designated as a heritage tree or rare or exceptional due to its size, condition, species, historical, ecological, aesthetic value, and/or as part of a grove. The Designation for Exceptional Trees explains how they evaluate a tree for exceptional status based on size.

Generally, any tree over 30 inches in diameter, measured approximately 4.5 feet from the ground, is exceptional.

However, some species are exceptional at only 6, 12, 18, or 24 inches in diameter!

Consult a certified arborist or city-approved Seattle tree service to determine if your tree is exceptional.

Exceptional trees are protected by code and cannot be removed unless considered an extreme hazard. If you unlawfully remove an exceptional tree, the penalties can be expensive.

If you need to remove or have major pruning done to large trees on your property, contact SDCI before removing or cutting back any trees. They can explain the protection requirements and help you determine if your situation meets the criteria for removal.

What species of trees are protected in Seattle?

Exceptional trees contributing to a continuous canopy or grove are protected regardless of size. The following tree species are protected in Seattle and Washington State.

Maple
London Plane Tree
Pacific Dogwood
Paper & White Birch
American Sweetgum
Red & Oregon White Oaks
Douglas Fir
Western Red & Deodar Cedar
Western Hemlock
Ponderosa, Western White, Lodgepole & Shore Pine

To help you identify whether your tree is protected you can refer to this handy guide to common Seattle trees that qualify for protection.

Still unsure? Contact a local arborist or approved tree service provider to help you.

What is considered an extreme hazard for removing exceptional trees in Seattle?

fallen tree on house, removing an exceptional tree in an emergency

The SDCI only permits the removal of exceptional or heritage trees if they meet the following hazardous criteria:

The tree has structural defects and/or other conditions that make it likely to fall or break.

There is a permanent structure or an area of moderate-to-high use by people, such as sidewalks or public trails, that would be impacted if the tree failed.

The danger cannot be mitigated by pruning the tree or moving the structure or activity.

You are required to get prior approval from the SDCI to remove a protected tree, except in the case of an emergency tree removal.

Remember that if the tree falling doesn’t threaten public safety or structures, you will not get approval to remove an exceptional or heritage tree.

Below is an easy guide to help you determine whether you can remove a protected tree from your Seattle property.

SDCI Tree Assessment Flow Chart To Determine If The Tree Requires Removal

How Do I Apply for Hazard Tree Removal?

There is a thorough application process to get approval to remove a hazardous tree in Seattle. You are required to have a risk assessment conducted by a certified arborist and submit the following documentation:

A Site Plan
An International Society of Arboriculture Basic Tree Risk Assessment
An arborist report
Photos of the tree, defects, and potential targets that will be impacted when it falls
A Statement of Financial Responsibility form

The SDCI will assess all information and determine whether the risk outweighs the need to preserve and protect the exceptional tree.

Additional assessments and documentation is required if the tree is in a landslide-prone area, protected canopy or grove, or other environmentally critical area (ECA).

What If It’s an Emergency?

Suppose you remove a protected tree in an emergency. In that case, once the emergency has been mitigated, you must submit all required application documents, including a clear explanation of the risk and the emergency. We encourage you to consider leaving a portion of the tree to be removed as a wildlife snag.

Failure to comply with the Tree Code can result in severe penalties and costly fines.

How much does a tree removal application cost?

As of 2023, the minimum hourly rate to process a tree removal application in Seattle is $394.

If it takes longer than an hour for the SDCI to evaluate your tree removal application, you will be charged for the additional time.

Rates change. Contact the SDCI for the current fee schedule.

A Word on Pruning Exceptional Trees

Routine pruning as part of a regular maintenance regimen can be carried on on exceptional trees without SDCI approval. Pruning exceptional trees for structure and form and trimming off deadwood and water sprouts can be done without worry.

Topping and other extreme pruning risks the health of trees and is strictly prohibited.

If you need to prune large branches from a protected tree to ensure its structural integrity, a permit may be required, and an SDCI-approved tree service MUST execute major pruning such as this. Check out the tree care provider directory for a city-approved tree service near you.

To ensure you comply with Seattle tree code requirements, we recommend having an approved tree care company handle all your tree care needs.

Sound Tree Care is a top-rated, licensed tree care company with a certified arborist on staff serving SeaTac, Seattle, and the surrounding communities. Registered with the City of Seattle and Burien, our tree care specialists can help you keep your trees healthy and strong with regular tree pruning, preventative maintenance, removal, and disease treatment services.

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