Tacoma tree questions, answered

No. We're a referral service. Your call or form goes to one registered, bonded and insured tree service that covers Tacoma, and that company contacts you, gives the estimate, and does the work if you hire them. The performing contractor's name and WA registration number are at the bottom of every page.

No. It's free for homeowners, with no obligation to hire. The tree service may pay us a referral fee. That doesn't change how your estimate is prepared.

No. Your request goes to one provider for the service you asked about. See the privacy policy for details.

Often not, but sometimes yes. The City of Tacoma's Urban Forestry FAQ says removing a tree on private property needs a permit if the tree is in a regulated critical area (wetlands, streams, steep slopes and other geologically hazardous areas, flood areas, fish and wildlife habitat or biodiversity areas, aquifer recharge areas) or if it's part of development in an Urban Residential zone. Clearing multiple trees may need a clearing and grading permit. Before removing anything, call Planning & Development Services at (253) 591-5030 to confirm.

Trees in the public right-of-way, which usually includes the planting strip, alleys and medians, need a city Tree Work (RTRE) permit to plant, prune or remove, under Tacoma Municipal Code 9.20. Maintaining them is the adjacent property owner's responsibility. Right-of-way trees may not be topped, and removals usually require a replacement tree.

Most of Tacoma is served by Tacoma Power. The city says never to prune a tree that has grown into power lines. Call the Tacoma Public Utilities Tree Line at (253) 502-8729. If lines are down, call 911.

Tree work in Washington is contractor work that requires registration with the Department of Labor & Industries. Look up any company's registration, bond and insurance for free at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify. Tacoma also requires a city business license to work in the city. Get a written estimate and proof of insurance before work starts.

It depends on the tree's size, condition and location, access, and how much cleanup you want, so an honest number requires someone to look at it. A large fir between two houses that has to be climbed and lowered piece by piece is a very different job from a small, open front-yard tree. Lincoln Logging Tree Care, the contractor currently doing the work, offers military and senior discounts. Mention it when they contact you.

Often, if it damaged a covered structure such as your house or garage, but policies vary. Take photos before anything is moved and call your insurer. A tree that falls without hitting anything is frequently not covered.

Talk with your neighbor first. The City of Tacoma treats private-tree disputes as a matter between neighbors, and its FAQ notes you may not prune or remove a tree on someone else's property. Washington law has specific rules about damaging a neighbor's trees, so get permission (and legal advice if needed) before cutting. If the tree is in the right-of-way, you can file a Tacoma FIRST 311 request.

Not if it belongs to someone else. On city property and in the right-of-way, Tacoma has a separate view-pruning permit process under TMC 9.20 with its own fees and conditions, and topping is never allowed. Check with the city before planning view work.