Tree removal cost in Seattle (2026):
prices by height and the City's tree rules
HOW MUCH DOES TREE REMOVAL COST IN SEATTLE?
HomeGuide puts a typical tree removal at $400 to $1,200, with tall trees over 80 feet at $1,200 to $2,500 or more. In Seattle, most trees with a trunk 6 inches or wider are protected: you can remove only a small number each year without City approval, and commercial tree work must be done by a registered tree service provider. Washington sales tax applies to tree removal for homeowners.
Tree removal cost by height
| Tree height | Reported cost |
|---|---|
| Small, under 30 ft | $200–$500 |
| Medium, 30–60 ft | $500–$1,500 |
| Large, 60–80 ft | $850–$2,000 |
| Extra-large, over 80 ft | $1,200–$2,500+ |
| Stump grinding | $100–$500+ per stump |
Cost by tree type
| Tree | Reported cost |
|---|---|
| Cedar | $600–$2,000 |
| Maple | $600–$1,200 |
| Pine | $250–$1,600 |
| Oak | $300–$2,500 |
| Ash | $650–$2,000 |
Seattle's tree rules for private property
Seattle's Tree Protection Code (SMC 25.11) sorts trees on private property into tiers by trunk diameter at standard height (DSH):
| Tier | Which trees |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Heritage trees |
| Tier 2 | 24 inches DSH or more, tree groves, and certain species under 24 inches listed in Director's Rule 7-2023 |
| Tier 3 | 12 to under 24 inches DSH |
| Tier 4 | 6 to under 12 inches DSH |
- Removal is generally prohibited when no development is proposed, SDCI says, except for the allowances below.
- A registered tree service provider must do all commercial tree work on private property. SDCI says these rules don't apply if you do the work yourself.
- Public notice: tree removal needs online public notice six full business days before the work, and the notice is posted on site during the work and for five days after.
- Penalties for unlawful removal can be expensive, SDCI says.
When you need City approval
| Situation | SDCI approval | Replacement tree |
|---|---|---|
| Up to two Tier 4 trees in 3 years (NR, RSL, LR, MR, NC, C and Seattle Mixed zones) | Not needed | Not needed |
| Up to three Tier 3 and 4 trees combined in 1 year (all other zones) | Not needed, but trees 12" or wider still need approval | Not needed |
| Dead tree, ADA or elderly access | Needed | Not needed |
| Hazard tree (including emergencies), pests or disease, invasive or nuisance tree | Needed | Needed |
- Hazard trees: SDCI approves removal only if the tree poses a high risk to people or property. You submit an arborist report, an ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment form, photos, a site plan and a Statement of Financial Responsibility.
- City fee: none for dead, ADA/elderly access or invasive trees; half of SDCI's land use hourly rate for hazard, emergency and pest requests.
- How long it takes: SDCI says it tries to finish the initial review within two weeks.
- Replacement can be on site, off site, or a voluntary payment in lieu set by Director's Rule 8-2023.
Example with Seattle sales tax
Washington treats tree removal and trimming for homeowners as a retail service (WAC 458-20-226), so sales tax applies.
| Job | Before tax | With Seattle's 10.55% sales tax |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree, under 30 ft | $200–$500 | $221–$553 |
| Medium tree, 30–60 ft | $500–$1,500 | $553–$1,658 |
| Extra-large tree, over 80 ft | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,327–$2,764 |
Before you sign
- Measure the trunk or ask the tree service to: the size decides the tier and whether you need approval.
- Check that the company is in Seattle's Tree Service Provider directory.
- Ask whether the quote includes stump grinding, hauling away wood and posting the public notice.
- For a hazard tree, ask who prepares the arborist report and risk assessment.
- Get the price in writing, with sales tax shown.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tree removal cost in Seattle?
HomeGuide puts a typical tree removal at $400 to $1,200, and trees over 80 feet at $1,200 to $2,500 or more. Seattle's 10.55% sales tax applies, and stump grinding usually costs $100 to $500 or more per stump.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Seattle?
Often, yes. SDCI says tree removal is generally prohibited when no development is proposed. You can remove a small number of trees under 12 inches without approval each year, but hazard, dead and diseased trees need SDCI review.
How many trees can I remove in Seattle without approval?
In neighborhood residential and several other zones, up to two Tier 4 trees (6 to under 12 inches) in any 3-year period. In other zones, up to three Tier 3 and 4 trees combined in a year, though trees 12 inches or wider still need approval.
Does a tree company in Seattle need to be registered?
Yes. SDCI says all commercial tree work on private property must be done by a registered tree service provider.
Is there sales tax on tree removal in Washington?
Yes. Washington treats tree removal and trimming for homeowners as a retail service, so sales tax applies: 10.55% in Seattle from October to December 2026.
Other outdoor work: see siding replacement cost and gutter replacement cost.
Sources
- HomeGuide — Tree Removal Cost (February 4, 2026)
- Seattle SDCI — Tree Protection Code, 2025 Home Fair presentation
- Seattle SDCI — Trees & Codes
- Seattle SDCI — Tree Removal (fees, timeline, public notice)
- Seattle SDCI — Tip 242B, hazard tree removal (updated October 1, 2025)
- WAC 458-20-226 — Landscape and horticultural services
- Washington Department of Revenue — Local sales tax rates, Quarter 4 2026
All sources accessed October 24, 2026.
This guide summarizes published cost estimates and City rules for trees on private property. It is not legal advice. Confirm your tree's tier and whether you need approval with SDCI before work starts, and get written quotes from registered tree service providers. See our disclosure and disclaimer.