Kirkland, Washington
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Kirkland
Kirkland regulates tree removal under Chapter 95 of its zoning code. Any tree 6 inches or more in diameter is a regulated tree, and trees 26 inches and larger are landmark trees with their own rules. Removing a hazard or nuisance tree requires a report from an ISA-certified arborist, a replanting plan and a city decision, usually within 15 business days.
- County
- King
- Tree rules
- Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95, Tree Management and Required Landscaping
- Key local rule
- Regulated trees from 6 inches; landmark trees from 26; arborist reports for hazard and nuisance removals
- Electric utility
- Puget Sound Energy
- Main hazards
- Windstorms, tall conifers, slopes above Lake Washington, saturated soil
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Kirkland?
For regulated trees, those 6 inches or more in diameter, Kirkland requires either a permit or, in limited cases, a notification under the code's allowance provisions. Hazard and nuisance removals need a permit supported by an arborist report and replanting plan. Landmark trees, 26 inches and larger, face stricter limits.
- Regulated tree
- 6 inches and up.
- Landmark tree
- 26 inches and up.
- Hazard trees
- Report from an arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
How a hazard or nuisance permit works
Hire a qualified arborist
ISA-certified, with TRAQ credentials for hazard trees.
Get the report
Documenting the tree's condition and risk.
Prepare a replanting plan
Replacement trees as the code requires.
Submit to the city
Through MyBuildingPermit.
Wait for the decision
The city emails its determination, usually within 15 business days.
Chapter 95
Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95 regulates tree removal on private property and requires permitting and replacement of removed trees. The city's 2024 guide defines regulated and landmark trees and explains when a notification, rather than a full permit, may be allowed under KZC 95.25.
Development projects follow tree retention and protection requirements tied to building permits.
Firs above Lake Washington
Kirkland's neighborhoods climb from the Lake Washington shore up to Finn Hill, Juanita and Totem Lake. Many lots keep tall Douglas firs and western red cedars left from the second-growth forest, and the slopes toward the lake are steep.
Windstorms such as the Hanukkah Eve storm of 2006 and the November 2024 bomb cyclone brought down large conifers on houses across the city. Saturated winter soils make wind throw more likely.
The 2024 guide reflects an updated code that put more emphasis on retaining large trees during development.
For owners, the most common mistake is assuming that a tree's hazard status is obvious. The city wants a qualified arborist's documented assessment, and a tree that looks alarming may rate as low risk while a healthy-looking one with root rot rates high.
Eastside conifer warning signs
Fungal conks at the base
Laminated root rot is common in Douglas fir.
Cedars with thinning crowns
Drought stress.
Leaning firs with lifted soil
Root plate failure.
Broken tops after storms
Hangers and decay.
Kirkland neighborhoods
- Finn Hill
- Large conifers, slopes and parks.
- Juanita and Kingsgate
- Mid-century lots with tall firs.
- Lakeview and Houghton
- Steep lots above the lake.
- Downtown and Moss Bay
- Street trees and small lots.
- Totem Lake and Kingsgate edges
- Newer development with retained trees under protection requirements.
Kirkland tree questions
What is a landmark tree in Kirkland?
A tree 26 inches or more in diameter at breast height.
How long does a hazard tree permit take?
The city aims to email its determination within 15 business days of a complete application.
Does my arborist need special credentials?
For hazard trees, an ISA-certified arborist with current Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
Do I have to replant?
Yes. A replanting plan is part of the permit.
Is a notification ever enough instead of a permit?
The code allows limited notification-based removals in some cases. Check KZC 95.25 and the city guide.
Does Kirkland require replacement for every removal?
Replacement depends on the type of removal and the trees left on the lot. The permit and the 2024 guide spell out what is required.
Who maintains street trees in Kirkland?
The city maintains trees in the public right-of-way. Contact Public Works before pruning one.
Reach a tree service in Kirkland
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Kirkland area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call 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 nowCall availability varies by area and time of day