Puyallup tree FAQ
City permit rules, street trees, power lines, storms, insurance, and how this referral service works.
Is Puyallup Tree Service Pros a tree company?
No. We're a referral service. Your request goes to one registered, bonded and insured tree service covering Puyallup, which contacts you, provides the estimate, and does the work if you hire them. The performing contractor's name and WA registration number are listed at the bottom of every page.
Is there a cost to use this site?
No. It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation. The tree service may pay us a referral fee, which doesn't change how your estimate is prepared.
Will my info be passed around to lots of contractors?
No. It goes to one provider for the service you asked about. See the privacy policy.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Puyallup?
In many cases, no. The City of Puyallup says trees on single-family properties generally aren't regulated unless the tree is in a critical area (steep slope, wetland or wetland buffer, stream buffer, or habitat/greenbelt area) or is on the city's Heritage Tree inventory. Those removals require a permit. Commercial, industrial, institutional and larger multifamily properties have stricter rules for trees 15 inches and up. If you're not sure, call the Planning Division at (253) 864-4165.
What is a 'significant' tree in Puyallup?
The city defines a significant tree as one with a trunk 15 inches or more in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above the ground. The city's FAQ says significant trees aren't regulated on single-family property or residential property with four or fewer units. On other property types, removal generally requires a certified arborist's tree risk assessment and a permit.
What happens if the tree is in a critical area?
A permit is required. The city's application calls for a certified arborist report on the tree's condition and a replanting plan, with two native replacement trees for each tree removed, planted within a year.
What's a heritage tree?
A tree the city has designated for exceptional size, age or historical significance. On private property, the current or a former owner voluntarily opted in. Heritage trees are protected, and removing one requires a permit.
Do street trees need permits?
In most cases, yes. Removing a live street tree needs city approval. A right-of-way permit is required to prune branches over 2 inches, topping is prohibited, and if the planter strip is 4 feet or wider a replacement tree is usually required. Most street trees are maintained by the adjacent property owner.
Who handles trees near power lines?
Puget Sound Energy serves Puyallup. The city's flow chart says street-tree work within 15 feet of energized lines may only be done by the utility, and it points owners to PSE for that pruning. If a line is down, call 911 and PSE.
How do I know a tree service is legit?
Washington requires tree removal contractors to register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Check registration, bond and insurance for free at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify. Puyallup's flow chart also says right-of-way tree work must be done by a licensed and bonded tree care company using certified arborists.
What will tree removal cost?
It depends on the tree's size and condition, what's around it, access and slope, and cleanup, so a real estimate requires a look at the tree. Lincoln Logging Tree Care, the contractor currently doing the work, offers military and senior discounts. Ask when they contact you.
Is storm damage covered by insurance?
Often, if the tree damaged a covered structure, but policies vary. Photograph everything before it's moved and call your insurer. A tree that falls without hitting anything often isn't covered.
Get your free Puyallup tree estimate
A few details about the tree is all it takes. One registered, insured local tree service will follow up, usually by the next business day.