Tree Protection - What & Why

Protecting trees on private property.

What's Happening Now?

SDCI administers and enforces the City's tree protection regulations, Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.11 Tree Protection, that apply to private property. The purpose of the code is to provide protections for certain trees.

SDCI is part of the City's team that is updating the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). For information on this process please visit the UFMP web page. In September of 2019, the Mayor and City Council adopted a resolution (Resolution 31902) asking SDCI to explore strategies to strengthen tree protections. We are preparing to respond to the Council's direction. Sign up on our listserv if you'd like to receive updates on our progress.

Project Benefits

Updates to tree protections can provide a number of benefits including:

  • Add to and compliment tree protection improvements made by SDCI in the past two years
  • Update rules and business practices for tree protection
  • Recommendations for any changes needed to the tree protection code
  • Balance regulations protecting trees with supporting future growth and density as provided in the City's Comprehensive Plan

The End Result

Anticipated results from this project in 2020 include:

  • Updates to existing Director's Rules
  • New business practices to support tree protection
  • Upgrades to technology and record keeping
  • Recommendations for potential changes to codes