Tree Service in Bellevue, WA | Certified Arborists & Tree Removal

Professional Tree Removal, Pruning & Risk Assessment in Bellevue, WA

Sound Tree Care provides professional tree service in Bellevue, WA, including tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, certified arborist assessments, and emergency tree work for residential and commercial properties. Our team understands Bellevue’s unique tree care needs, from steep slopes to

neighborhood street trees and environmentally sensitive areas.

Serving Bellevue Homes, HOAs & Commercial Properties Since 2020

Let’s Find Out What We Do in Bellevue

From routine tree service in Bellevue to complex removals near homes and infrastructure, Sound Tree Care provides professional, code-compliant solutions tailored to Bellevue properties. Our ISA Certified Arborists handle everything from tree trimming and pruning to hazardous tree removal, with a strong focus on safety, long-term tree health, and local regulations.



Whether you’re planning a tree removal in Bellevue, need an experienced Bellevue arborist to assess tree risk, or want expert guidance navigating permits and city requirements, our team is here to help. We’re proud to be a Comcast RISE 2025 recipient, and a trusted local provider for safe, professional tree care throughout Bellevue and surrounding Eastside communities.

💡 Certified Arborists. Trusted by homeowners. Award-winning tree care in Bellevue since 2020. — create an online request to get started today.

Professional Tree Services in Bellevue, WA

Bellevue’s steep hillsides, mature tree canopy, and seasonal windstorms make professional tree care a safety and property-value issue — not just a landscaping choice. Sound Tree Care provides ISA-certified tree services in Bellevue including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, emergency storm response, and arborist evaluations for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial properties throughout Bellevue, WA.

Every tree is evaluated by an ISA Certified Arborist for structure, health, and risk, then managed using ANSI A300 pruning standards and city-compliant methods to protect your home, utilities, and long-term canopy value.

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Tell us what you’re dealing with in Bellevue and we’ll recommend the safest, most practical next steps.

  • Fast scheduling & clear scopes
  • Clean job sites
  • Permit-aware guidance when required

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Serving Bellevue and nearby neighborhoods. For urgent hazards, call (206) 486-7790.

ISA Certified Arborists at Bellevue

Certified Arborist logo

When tree decisions involve safety, permits, property concerns, or development constraints, working with an ISA Certified Arborist in Bellevue matters. Our arborists provide objective evaluations, documentation, and code-compliant recommendations used by homeowners, cities, and project managers.

Arborist services include:

Bellevue Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code (2025 Guide)

Tree removal in Bellevue is regulated under city code and is enforced based on tree size, classification, and site constraints, including proximity to structures, presence of Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs), and minimum tree density requirements.

Many removals do not require a full permit application—but do require written city approval or supporting documentation. Misinterpreting these thresholds is a common cause of delays, mitigation fees, and denial.

When Bellevue requires a permit

Tree removal may require a permit or formal review when the tree is regulated by size or classification, located in or near an ECA or buffer, or tied to a development review.

Confirm requirements before scheduling work

Removals that may be exempt (confirm first)

Some removals don’t require a full permit application, but may still require written confirmation or documentation.

  • Below regulated size thresholds
  • Outside ECAs, buffers, shoreline jurisdiction
  • Not required to be retained by prior approvals
  • Doesn’t drop site below minimum tree density
Verify with the City before work begins

When replacement or mitigation is triggered

Removal of Significant or Landmark trees, removals in regulated areas, or removals that drop the site below required tree density can trigger replacement planting or mitigation.

Plan replacement early to avoid delays

Detailed Resource: Bellevue Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code (2025 Guide)

Covers Landmark vs Significant trees, ECA rules, TPZ/TPP requirements, and replacement standards in depth.

Black outline of Washington state with
By Eric Ledford September 27, 2025
Need a tree removal permit in Bellevue? Learn 2025 rules for significant & landmark trees, ECAs, TPZ/TPP requirements, and how ISA Certified Arborists help you stay compliant.

🛡️ Bellevue Tree Codes, Safety Standards & Compliance

Tree work in Bellevue requires strict compliance with city regulations, environmentally critical area rules, and professional arboricultural standards. Sound Tree Care ensures every project follows:

Our Credentials & Compliance

  • 🪪 Washington State Licensed Contractor
  • 🛡️ Fully Insured — Liability & Workers’ Compensation
  • 🌲 ISA Certified Arborists & TRAQ Qualified
  • 🏛️ Bellevue Municipal Code & Tree Removal Requirements
  • 🗺️ City of Bellevue Development Services — Trees & Critical Areas
  • 📝 Written Proposals, Documentation & Permitting Support
  • ⚙️ Safe Work Procedures for Pruning, Rigging & Aerial Operations

You deserve safe, professional tree care that protects your home, your family, and your investment — every single time.

🔍See Where Sound Tree Care Has Made a Difference in Bellevue

We provide professional tree service throughout Bellevue, including West Bellevue, Eastgate, Bridle Trails, Somerset, Factoria, and surrounding areas. Our certified arborists are familiar with Bellevue’s terrain, tree species, and local permitting requirements.

We bring fast, professional service to:

  • ✅ West Bellevue
  • ✅ Lake Hills
  • ✅ Newport
  • ✅ Somerset
  • ✅ Bridle Trails
  • ✅ Eastgate
  • ✅ Woodridge
  • ✅ Wilburton
  • ✅ Crossroads and beyond

✅ Bellevue Tree Service – Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about tree removal, pruning regulations, or permits in Bellevue? You’re not alone. Below are answers to the most common questions we get from homeowners, HOAs, and property managers throughout the city — including neighborhoods with special tree rules like Bridle Trails, Somerset, and Newport Hills.

  • ❓How do I choose a certified arborist in Bellevue?

    Look for ISA Certified Arborists with experience in Bellevue’s local tree species, permitting requirements, and neighborhood-specific constraints. We provide certified arborist services, TRAQ tree risk assessments, and detailed reports for pruning, removal, construction, and hazard evaluation.Yes. We provide safe and fully permitted tree removal throughout all Bellevue neighborhoods, including Somerset, Bridle Trails, Lake Hills, Newport, and West Bellevue. Our ISA Certified Arborists handle hazardous removals, storm-damaged trees, trees near homes, and difficult access removals with specialized rigging.

  • 🌲 Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Bellevue?

    Many trees in Bellevue require a permit before removal, especially large, significant, or protected species — and trees located in steep slopes or environmentally critical areas (ECAs). We can determine whether a permit is required and prepare the arborist report or hazard assessment needed for approval.You should work with a Certified Arborist whenever a tree needs pruning, removal, diagnosis, or risk evaluation. Our Bellevue arborist team includes ISA Certified Arborists and TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessors who can help you make informed, defensible decisions about your trees.

  • 💵 What does tree removal cost in Bellevue?

    Tree removal costs in Bellevue vary based on tree size, location, condition, access, and safety requirements. After an on-site visit, we provide a written estimate that details all work, including cleanup, stump grinding (if requested), and any code compliance or documentation needed.

  • ✂️ Do you offer hedge trimming and stump grinding in Bellevue?

    Yes. We provide hedge trimming, hedge reduction, shaping, and stump grinding throughout the Bellevue area. These services can be booked on their own or combined with tree trimming or removal.

  • ⚠️Can a Bellevue arborist evaluate whether my tree is hazardous?

    Yes. Our TRAQ-Qualified ISA Certified Arborists perform tree risk assessments to evaluate structural defects, decay, lean, root issues, and potential hazards to homes, driveways, and nearby properties. We provide formal written reports when needed for permits, insurance, or neighbor disputes.

  • 📍 Which Bellevue neighborhoods do you serve?

    We serve every major Bellevue neighborhood, including Bridle Trails, Somerset, Newport Hills, Factoria, Lake Hills, Eastgate, Clyde Hill, Medina, West Bellevue, Wilburton, and Downtown Bellevue.Yes — we respond to fallen trees, storm-damaged branches, broken limbs, and hazardous leaning trees throughout Bellevue. Emergency calls receive priority scheduling.

  • 🚨Do you offer emergency tree service in Bellevue?

    Yes. We handle storm damage, fallen or leaning trees, hazardous limbs, and emergency removals. If a tree poses immediate danger, we prioritize same-day service whenever possible.

  • 📄Bellevue City Tree Permitting & Regulatory Resources

    🌲 Tree Removal & Permits

    1. Tree Removal Only Clearing & Grading Permit (City of Bellevue)

    Official page describing how to obtain a permit for removing significant/landmark trees on single-family properties (site plan requirements, inspection info, etc.).

    👉Tree Removal Only Clearing & Grading Permit 


    2. Tree Removal User Guide (PDF)

    A detailed City guide explaining updated tree retention and protection regulations, good for linking directly in your FAQ as a downloadable resource. 

    👉Tree Removal User Guide


    3. Tree Removals on Private Property / No Development (PDF)

    Internal City guidance for tree removal permits not associated with development — great to link for homeowners. 

    👉Tree Removals on Private Property / No Development 


    ⚖️ City Code & Regulations

    4. Trees (General City Rules & Permit Requirement Overview)

    Bellevue’s general tree page outlining that permits are required to remove or prune trees in many cases, and that it is illegal to remove/prune public trees without authorization. 

    👉Trees


    5. Tree Canopy Code Update – FAQs (Bellevue Tree Code Website)

    FAQ section from the tree code update page explaining when tree permits are required, how to apply, and who to contact to report potential violations. 

    👉FAQ


    6. Bellevue Municipal Code: Clearing & Grading Permit Requirements

    Official tree removal triggers and exceptions from the City Code (BCC 23.76.035)

    👉Clearing & Grading Permit Requirements


    7. Bellevue Land Use Code: Tree Retention and Replacement (LUC 20.20.900)

    The official tree retention and replacement section of the Bellevue Land Use Code — relevant if tree removal is part of land development or building projects. 


    👉 Tree Retention and Replacement


    🌱 Helpful Note from Your Arborist


    Permit requirements can vary based on tree size, species, location, and site conditions. An ISA Certified Arborist can help determine whether a permit is required before work begins and assist with documentation when needed.

Still have questions? Contact us for a free consultation with an ISA Certified Arborist.

Award-Winning, Neighborhood-Trusted Tree Care

Voted by Bellevue homeowners for safe, reliable, code-compliant tree care.

Sound Tree Care LLC is proud to be a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for five consecutive years (2021–2025) — a distinction earned through consistent, high-quality tree care and trusted local service. Homeowners continue to recognize our team for safe practices, professional tree removal, precision pruning, and knowledgeable arborist guidance.

Being voted a Neighborhood Favorite year after year reflects our commitment to reliability, clear communication, and doing the job right. We’re grateful for the trust our local communities place in us and remain dedicated to providing dependable, code-compliant tree care homeowners can count on.

Content Authorship & Review

This page is written and reviewed by ISA Certified Arborists to support clear, accurate guidance for homeowners in the Puget Sound region.

Written By
AJ Flanagan, ISA Certified Arborist

AJ Flanigan

Assistant Operations Manager

ISA Certified Arborist (PN-374999A)

AJ supports on-site assessments and practical recommendations for tree pruning, removals, and safety decisions across the Puget Sound region. This page reflects field experience and current arboricultural standards.

Reviewed By
Eric Ledford, ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessor

Eric Ledford

Founder, Sound Tree Care LLC

ISA Certified Arborist (PN-9290A) • TRAQ • NUCA Dig Safe

Eric reviewed this page for accuracy and alignment with ISA best practices, ANSI A300 guidance, and common municipal permitting considerations in the Puget Sound region. This content is informational and not legal advice.

🌲Ready for Expert Tree Services in Bellevue


Whether you need emergency tree removal, routine pruning, or help navigating Bellevue’s tree permitting requirements, Sound Tree Care LLC is here to help. Our ISA Certified Arborists provide safe, reliable, and code-compliant tree care throughout the Bellevue area.

🌿 Don’t let minor tree issues become major (and costly) problems. Protect your home, property, and landscape with professional, arborist-led tree care.

 

✅ Free, No-Obligation Estimates

🪵 Full Cleanup & Debris Removal

🏗️ Permit Guidance for Bellevue

⚠️ Safe Work Procedures for Removals, Rigging & Aerial Operations


🧰 ISA Certified Arborists, TRAQ-Qualified

⭐ 5-Star Rated on Google, Yelp & Facebook

🛡️ Licensed, Insured & Code-Compliant

🥇 Experience the Sound Difference: Trusted. Local. Professional.


 📞 Call us now at 206-486-7790 – Click to call!
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📍 Serving all of Bellevue's neighborhoods.