Tree Cutting in King County, WA

Tree problems in King County, WA that call for tree cutting

1. 1

   County rules apply only outside cities

   King County's clearing rules cover unincorporated areas, such as much of the Snoqualmie Valley, Vashon-Maury Island, Fall City, Hobart and parts of the plateau east of Lake Sammamish. Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Issaquah and the other cities each have their own tree codes, and many require permits for significant trees on private lots.

2. 2

   When a King County clearing permit is required

   Exemptions are listed in King County Code 16.82.050, and some hazard-tree removals are handled differently from clearing. Processing for a full clearing permit can take around 100 days, so start early if you're planning work rather than responding to an emergency.

3. 3

   Steep slopes, wet soil and big conifers

   Much of the county's housing sits among tall Douglas-fir, western redcedar and western hemlock, often on slopes. Winter windstorms arrive on saturated ground, which is when large conifers uproot. Trees on steep slopes also hold soil in place, which is why the county regulates removal there: taking out the wrong trees can increase landslide and erosion risk.

4. 4

   Windstorm season

   Most King County tree emergencies come with fall and winter windstorms from November to February, when Pacific storms push gusts over soaked soil. Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light own the lines across most of the county; any tree on a line goes to the utility first.