Mercer Island Tree Service

A tree on private property may be cut without a tree permit in an emergency situation involving immediate danger to life or property. The City Arborist should be informed of the impending removal and a permit must be applied for within 14 days of the removal. The application shall include documentation of the imminent threat to life or property, ideally in the form of a report by a qualified arborist, but at least in the form of photographs that clearly depict the threat.

The City Right-of-Way (ROW) typically includes streets, sidewalks, paths, shoulders, and can sometimes portions of what may look like your front yard.  Trees and shrubs located in the City Right-of-Way are regulated by the City.  When a resident wishes to trim or remove a tree in the City Right-of-Way, they must first obtain approval and a permit from the City. 

Please read the information below to learn more about removing trees on private property that are not associated with a development (construction) project.  Additional information on removing trees related to development can be found here.

In 2019, the Critical Area code (MICC 19.10.050) related to tree removal on private property not associated with development (construction), was updated. For information on how to determine if a tree is in a Critical Area see the Mercer Island Interactive Tree Permit Map.  More information about tree removal in critical areas is available here or under Tree FAQs.

Tree removal associated with a development proposal will be reviewed in conjunction with a development permit application. 

Tree removal that is not associated with a development project is not allowed in a critical area (wetlands, watercourses, landslide hazard areas and buffers).  One or more of the following criteria must apply and documentation must be prepared by a qualified Arborist showing that:

The tree is a hazard;

The tree is diseased, in decline, or not viable for retention; or

The removal of the tree will enhance the ecosystem functions and values and/ or promote slope stability (this report may be prepared by a qualified professional)

How to Protect Trees During Construction

It is essential to provide extra care and protection for your trees during construction. Tree protection fencing established at or beyond the tree drip line is the best way to protect the valuable resource of trees. Fencing will alert all workers that they cannot disturb the area within the fence, thereby protecting the ability of the roots to obtain air, water, and nutrients. Fencing will prevent driving, parking of equipment, storage of construction supplies, dumping of waste or fill dirt, or grade changes within the drip line.