Regulations

This was once a healthy maple tree on Parks property. It was destroyed to improve one household's view of Lake Washington. Pruning or removal of a tree on public property is illegal. The responsible party can be charged three times the value of each tree destroyed (and now has a police record.) On Parks there can be additional fines of up to $5,000 per tree.

Improving Seattle’s urban forest requires commitment and action by city government and our residents. In addition to outreach and incentives, tree protection regulations play an important role. The City has a number of regulations in place to protect trees. However, not all trees are regulated.

Learn more about our Tree Protection Regulations.

The Department of Planning and Development is leading an effort to revise the tree protection regulations to improve tree preservation and planting. Learn about the Tree Regulations Update.

The City often receives calls from citizens concerned that the tree pruning or removal they see in their neighborhoods might be illegal. Learn more about Illegal Pruning or Removal.