Federal Way tree FAQ

No. We're a referral service. Your request goes to one registered, bonded and insured tree service covering Federal Way. That company contacts you, gives the estimate, and does the work if you hire them. The performing contractor is named, with its WA registration number, at the bottom of every page.

Yes. It's free for homeowners, with no obligation. The tree service may pay us a referral fee, which doesn't affect how your estimate is prepared.

One provider, for the service you asked about. We don't sell it to a list of contractors. See the privacy policy.

Usually, yes. The city's handout for developed single-family lots says any tree and vegetation removal requires city approval unless an exemption in FWRC 19.120.030 applies. Many removals need only written approval, not a full permit. A permit and a Tree and Vegetation Retention Plan by a qualified expert may be required in critical areas, for trees that an earlier development permit required to be kept, or where removal would change stormwater flow. Because the handout dates from 2016, confirm with the Permit Center at (253) 835-2607 or permitcenter@federalwaywa.gov before cutting.

On a developed single-family lot, the city's handout says hazard trees can be removed without approval only if all three of these are true: the tree is outside designated environmentally sensitive areas, it wasn't required to be kept by a development permit, and removing it won't change how stormwater or groundwater enters, leaves or moves across the property. The city may rely on a qualified expert, such as a certified arborist, to determine whether a tree is a hazard.

Possibly. Trees 6 inches and larger in diameter (measured 4.5 feet up) count toward a minimum tree density. For single-family zones, the handout lists 25 tree units per acre, with bigger trees earning more units. If a removal drops your lot below the minimum, replacement planting is required.

The city lists wetlands, critical aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (including streams), frequently flooded areas, and geologically hazardous areas such as landslide and erosion hazard slopes, along with their buffers. With so many lakes, creeks and bluffs, many Federal Way lots touch one. The city's maps are a starting point, and site-specific review may be needed.

Federal Way's code treats topping, a pruning cut to the main stem of a mature tree, the same as tree removal, so the same approval rules apply. Most arborists advise against topping anyway.

Puget Sound Energy serves Federal Way and has a tree-trimming program for trees near its lines. If a line is down, call 911 and PSE, and stay away.

Tree work in Washington requires contractor registration with the Department of Labor & Industries. Look up registration, bond and insurance for free at secure.lni.wa.gov/verify, and ask for a written estimate and proof of insurance.

It depends on the tree, the site, access and cleanup, so the tree service quotes after seeing it. Lincoln Logging Tree Care, the contractor currently doing the work, offers military and senior discounts. Mention it when they contact you.

Often, if the tree damaged a covered structure, but policies vary. Photograph everything first and call your insurer. Trees that fall without hitting anything often aren't covered.