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Tacoma · Defensible Space Tree Clearing

Defensible Space Tree Clearing in Tacoma, WA

Thinning, limbing and spacing trees around a house in wildfire country. This page applies it to Tacoma, WA, using the rules and conditions on the Tacoma city page.

Call (844) 955-1716

Call availability varies by area and time of day. Calls are answered by an independent tree service provider.

Ponderosa pine forest at the edge of a desert neighborhood

Defensible Space Tree Clearing in Tacoma: what to check first

Thinning, limbing and spacing trees around a house in wildfire country in Tacoma, WA. Before work starts, check the city's main tree rule: private trees generally unregulated except in critical areas; right-of-way trees need a permit.

Local rule
Private trees generally unregulated except in critical areas; right-of-way trees need a permit (Tacoma).
Who to call about lines
Tacoma Power, for trees near wires in Tacoma.
Where the rules live
Tacoma Municipal Code 13.11 (critical areas) and 9.20 (urban forestry, right-of-way trees).

Tacoma rules that apply to defensible Space Tree Clearing

In Tacoma, WA, tree work is governed by tacoma Municipal Code 13.11 (critical areas) and 9.20 (urban forestry, right-of-way trees).

The rule most likely to affect defensible Space Tree Clearing in Tacoma: private trees generally unregulated except in critical areas; right-of-way trees need a permit.

For the full local picture, including measurement and exemptions, see tree service in Tacoma.

Local conditions behind defensible Space Tree Clearing calls in Tacoma

  • Steep bluffs above Commencement Bay

    Listed among the main tree hazards in Tacoma.

  • Windstorms

    Listed among the main tree hazards in Tacoma.

  • Landslides

    Listed among the main tree hazards in Tacoma.

  • Tall conifers

    Listed among the main tree hazards in Tacoma.

How defensible Space Tree Clearing runs on a Tacoma property

Thinned pines limbed up on a hillside above a house
Image for illustration.

  1. Walk the zones

    Tacoma: measure out 5, 30 and 100 feet from the house and note trees, shrubs and slope.

  2. Remove dead trees

    Tacoma: dead and dying trees within 100 feet are taken out first.

  3. Limb up

    Tacoma: lower branches are removed to at least 6 feet above the ground, or more on taller trees.

  4. Thin for spacing

    Tacoma: trees are removed to reach the canopy spacing for the slope.

  5. Clear under and around

    Tacoma: shrubs below trees are removed or spaced to stop fire climbing.

Tacoma facts for defensible Space Tree Clearing

ItemTacoma detail
ServiceDefensible Space Tree Clearing
County or jurisdictionPierce
Tree rulesTacoma Municipal Code 13.11 (critical areas) and 9.20 (urban forestry, right-of-way trees)
Key local rulePrivate trees generally unregulated except in critical areas; right-of-way trees need a permit
Electric utilityTacoma Power

Work often paired with defensible Space Tree Clearing in Tacoma

Land Clearing
See land clearing for how it relates to work in Tacoma.
Crown Raising
See crown raising for how it relates to work in Tacoma.
Brush Clearing
See brush clearing for how it relates to work in Tacoma.

Defensible Space Tree Clearing questions from Tacoma

Does defensible Space Tree Clearing in Tacoma need a permit?

Start with the city's key rule: private trees generally unregulated except in critical areas; right-of-way trees need a permit. The Tacoma page explains thresholds and exemptions.

Who should be called first about trees near lines in Tacoma?

Tacoma Power. Keep at least 10 feet away from energized lines.

Do I need to remove all trees near my house in Tacoma?

No. Healthy, well-spaced trees with branches cleared from the roof and lower trunk are allowed in most rules.

How high should tree branches be limbed in Tacoma?

At least 6 feet from the ground, and higher for tall trees. Shrubs below trees call for extra clearance.

More on defensible Space Tree Clearing and Tacoma

Defensible Space Tree Clearing help in Tacoma

Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in Tacoma, WA.

(844) 955-1716

Call availability varies by area and time of day

Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works

Call now

Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.

(844) 955-1716Call now

Call availability varies by area and time of day

Call (844) 955-1716
Call Now(844) 955-1716