Tree Work on Private Property

Tree Removal and Voluntary Vegetation Restoration Approval Request

For work on private property, select this option if you would like to:

• Remove hazardous trees;
• Remove regulated trees according to SMC 25.11.020 or SMC 25.11.050 that are not part of a construction permit application;
• Document emergency tree removal after the emergency action according to SMC 25.11.030; or
• Conduct voluntary vegetation restoration within an Environmentally Critical Area.

If you are doing work in the right-of-way (street, alley, or planting strip), you need a permit from the Seattle Department of Transportation. See SDOT Street Tree Permits for more information.
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SDCI Tree Public Notice

Select this application to create the required tree public notice for reportable work or tree removal on private property. "Reportable work" is defined as the removal of live branches 2 inches in diameter or greater, pruning or removal of live roots 2 inches in diameter or greater, or removal of live branches constituting 15 percent or more of a tree's foliage-bearing area.

A tree public notice must be created and posted on the Seattle Services Portal Public Notices web page at least 3 business days prior to performing reportable work and at least 6 business days prior to removal of trees 6 inches Diameter Standard Height (DSH) or greater.

Search for posted tree public notices on Seattle Services Portal Public Notices by date range, address, or notice number.
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Apply to become a SDCI Registered Tree Service Provider

Select this application to apply for the SDCI Tree Service Provider Registry; registration is required to perform commercial tree work on private property. Once registered, you are required to display your Tree Service Provider Registration Number on any commercial vehicle conducting work in Seattle.

Failure to register, or receiving two notices of violation, will prevent a tree service provider from being eligible to conduct commercial tree work on private property in Seattle for one year.
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Tree Work in the Public Right of Way

Tree – Plant/Prune/Remove Permit

Select this application if you are proposing planting, pruning, removing, or replacing a tree in the public right-of-way or planting strip.
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Note that if you are proposing removal of a street tree, you must also post a Tree Removal notice for a minimum of 14 calendar days.
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Annual Vehicle Application

Select this application to apply for an Annual Vehicle Permit, which is required to operate equipment in the public right-of-way.
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Apply to become a SDOT Registered Tree Service Provider

Visit the SDOT Tree Service Provider Registry website to find information about the program and to apply to be a SDOT Registered Tree Service Provider; registration is required to perform tree services in the public right of way.

Approved Tree Service Providers & Tree Information

Find a SDCI Registered Tree Service Provider

View the list of SDCI registered tree service providers. The City of Seattle requires that all commercial tree work on private property, including removal, reportable work, or consulting services be conducted by a SDCI registered tree service provider.

Find a SDOT Registered Tree Service Provider

View the list of SDOT registered tree service providers. The City of Seattle requires that all tree work in the public right-of-way, including removal or major pruning must be conducted by a SDOT registered tree service provider.

Trees for Seattle

Visit the Trees for Seattle website to find information about the City of Seattle’s urban forestry efforts.