LOCATIONS
Tree Service
Bellevue, Washington
We specialize in navigating Bellevue's strict tree codes and permitting process to protect your property and our local canopy. From tight-quarter removals to complex health assessments, we provide the expert care needed to keep your landscape safe and compliant with city regulations.
Not sure if you're in our service area? Give us a call—we’re often able to accommodate areas beyond this list for urgent or large-scale projects
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU CUT
Tree Removal in Bellevue, Wa
Bellevue’s commitment to its urban forest is reflected in its rigorous tree protection codes. Whether you are in the dense greenery of Bridle Trails or a residential lot in Somerset, Western Washington Tree Service provides the expert guidance needed to ensure your tree removal is compliant, permitted, and professional.
Is Your Tree "Significant" or "Landmark"?
Bellevue categorizes trees based on their size and health. Knowing which category your tree falls into determines your permit path:
Significant Trees: Any healthy evergreen or deciduous tree 6 inches or larger in diameter (measured 4 feet above the ground).
Landmark Trees: High-priority trees that are 24 inches or larger in diameter. These require a specific permit and often a higher level of scrutiny for removal.
The Bridle Trails Rule: If your property is in the Bridle Trails R-1 District, specific retention requirements apply to all significant trees, making professional consultation essential.
Tree Removal Questions?
Contact the City of Bellevue For questions regarding your lot’s specific canopy requirements, contact the Land Use Review team at 425-452-4188 or email landusereview@bellevuewa.gov.
Key Regulations & Requirements
Bellevue uses a "Maximum Annual Removal" system for developed residential lots that do not have active construction:
Annual Removal Limits: Depending on your lot size, you may be allowed to remove a limited number of significant or landmark trees per year without mandatory replanting, provided you still meet the minimum tree density for your property.
The "Clearing and Grading" Permit: Unlike a simple form, Bellevue requires a Clearing and Grading permit for most removals. This includes a site plan showing exactly which trees stay and which go.
Hazardous Trees: Trees that are dead, dying, or an immediate danger can be removed with an Arborist’s Tree Risk Assessment. While replanting is often waived for hazards, the permit and professional documentation are still mandatory.
Public Property & Right-of-Way: It is strictly illegal to prune or remove trees on city property or right-of-ways without a specific city-issued permit.
Schedule your free estimate with our arborists today. We’ll evaluate your trees, answer your questions, and provide a clear plan. (425)-800-7673
Nature doesn’t clock out. Neither do we! Call us 24/7 for a rapid emergency response. We’re on-site fast with the heavy equipment needed to secure your property.
Nature doesn’t clock out. Neither do we! Call us 24/7 for a rapid emergency response. We’re on-site fast with the heavy equipment needed to secure your property.