Tree Protection & Removal

Trees are an important part of the Woodinville community. Our streets, parks, playgrounds and backyards are lined with beautiful trees that provide shade, serve as a home to wildlife, and reduce carbon emissions. Protecting, enhancing and maintaining healthy trees, groves, and other kinds of vegetation is essential to promoting public health and quality of life for our residents.

The City's goal is to maintain an overall tree canopy coverage of 40 percent or more. In 2017, the City's tree canopy coverage was 45%, up from 42% in 2009. For more information about the City's tree canopy, see the City's 2019 Tree Canopy Assessment and Fact Sheet (PDF).

Tree City, USA

The City of Woodinville is proud to celebrate a quarter century of formal recognition from the national Arbor Day Foundation as a "Tree City". To achieve this recognition, the City has established policies around tree care, funds a community forestry program, and provides annual engagement and volunteer opportunities related to tree planting & promotion.

Tree Protection Benefits

Healthy trees and vegetation contribute to Woodinville’s quality of life through reducing soil erosion and land instability; improving air quality; providing protection from severe weather conditions; providing habitat and food supply for fish and wildlife; enhancing property values and contributing to Woodinville’s natural beauty, aesthetic character, and livability.

Tree protection and tree removal standards are regulated by Chapter 21.50 of the Woodinville Municipal Code.

Tree Removal Permit

A tree removal permit is required for any proposal to remove significant trees, unless otherwise exempt in WMC 21.50.030. 

Tree Removal Permit Application

To obtain a tree removal permit, you must first complete a Tree Removal Application. As part of the application, you'll be asked to provide a site plan as well as necessary supporting documents (such as replanting plans and/or an arborist report).

Submit an application through the City's online Permit Portal, or view and print the Tree Removal Application Form (PDF).

Public Tree Maintenance & Removal

For both public and private non-emergency tree issues, please call the Development Services Department at 425-489-2754.  A Public Tree Removal application or Public Tree Pruning application is required for tree removal and pruning requests located within the City right-of-way. 

For emergency right-of-way tree issues, such as an uprooted or fallen tree or a large branch dangling, during regular business hours call  the Public Works Department at 425-489-2700. If after hours dial 911.

For safety reasons, Puget Sound Energy handles tree issues within 12 feet of power lines and can be reached at 1-888-225-5773.

The City does not respond to tree issues on private property. If a right-of-way tree has fallen onto private property, it is the private property owner’s responsibility.