How will Seattleā€™s Updated Tree Protection Code Impact You?

Seattle Tree Care explains how you'll be affected by Seattle's new tree protection codes - Greater Seattle region & Puget Sound area.

Get Seattle District 4 Councilmember Alex Pedersen’s thoughts on the strengthened Seattle tree ordinances here.

See our article on the updated Seattle Tree Protection Ordinance

Seattleā€™s Tree Protection Code is changing significantly with a new tree code ordinance that adds restrictions for private property owners looking to book tree care services.

This ordinance will help protect our urban canopy and work toward Seattleā€™s goal to reach 30% canopy cover by 2037.

We are anticipating how our clients will be impacted and preparing our team for these changes.

Decoding the Updated Tree Protection Codes

Our team of ISA Certified and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist project managers are currently analyzing the new ordinance requirements and enforcement policies, and weā€™ll share more information as November 10 approaches.

In the meantime, here are the biggest changes you need to know:

  • All tree care companies must be registered with the City to offer major pruning or removal of trees with a diameter at standard height (DSH) ā€“ which is measured at 4 Ā½ feet above the ground ā€“ larger than 6ā€
  • Property owners must hire a registered tree service company for major pruning and removal of trees with a DSH larger than 6ā€
  • Public notice of major pruning and removal of trees with a DSH larger than 6ā€ must be posted three business days before the work begins

>Changes in the tree code will raise the standard for tree service providers in the City. To be on the City registry, companies must have at least one ISA Certified Arborist on staff, follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A-300 standards for tree work, have a valid and current Seattle business license, a Washington State Contractors License, and a certificate of insurance ā€“ all things Seattle Tree Care already has. Except instead of one ISA Certified Arborist on staff, we have twelve.

How Seattle Tree Care Can Help You Prepare

We want to make sure your trees have what they need before Seattleā€™s new tree regulations begin.

The full impact of these updates are unknown. We pride ourselves on our adaptability and are committed to providing you with the same quality and comprehensive tree care before and after these changes go into effect.

If itā€™s been a few years since your last pruning, or if youā€™ve been contemplating tree care for a while, meet with one of our ISA Certified Arborists for a free estimate.

Our Arborists are ready to:

  • Safety prune to mitigate risk before storm season starts
  • Groom your trees before your next home improvement project
  • Get a jumpstart on your annual pruning plan

Learning More About Seattleā€™s Tree Protection Code

You wonā€™t be navigating these changes alone. In the coming weeks, we will share more information to help our clients understand the changes to Seattleā€™s Tree Protection Code.

Sign up for more details on:

  • What it means to be a registered tree service provider in Seattle<
  • How to verify a companyā€™s credentials
  • How to identify tree work that is regulated by the new ordinance
  • How tree care for Exceptional trees is changing
  • What potential enforcement and financial consequences might look like

We are already the highest rated tree care company in Seattle. As standards for tree care rise, we will continue to be industry leaders in training, safety, customer service, and total project management.

Talk to one of our ISA Certified Arborists today about getting your tree care project completed.

Kelsey Gruenwoldt

Kelsey is the owner and CEO of Seattle Tree Care, a Certified Arborist, and founder of the Seattle Arborist Association. As a fourth-generation Seattle native, she has a great appreciation for this beautiful region and is dedicated to making sure our area's trees receive the best care possible. + Learn more about Kelsey

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