Tree Service & Tree Removal in Puyallup, WA

Sound Tree Care provides professional tree service in Puyallup, WA, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, and ISA-certified arborist services for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial properties.


Our local arborists specialize in safe, code-compliant tree work near homes, power lines, and steep slopes throughout Puyallup, South Hill, Downtown Puyallup, and surrounding neighborhoods.


Whether you need hazardous tree removal, routine pruning, emergency storm cleanup, or a certified arborist report for permitting, our team delivers reliable, permit-ready service backed by experience, safety, and proven results.


Let’s Clarify What We Do in Puyallup

Sound Tree Care provides full-service tree care in Puyallup, WA, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, emergency storm response, and certified arborist services for homes and businesses across Pierce County.



Puyallup’s mature trees, steep hillsides, and frequent winter storms create real safety and property-damage risks. Our ISA-Certified Arborists specialize in hazard mitigation, structural pruning, and permit-ready tree evaluations near homes, power lines, and critical infrastructure.

Whether you need a dangerous tree removed, a pruning plan approved by the City of Puyallup, or documentation for insurance or permitting, our ISA-Certified Arborists provide clear, code-compliant solutions that protect both your property and the urban forest.


Homeowners, HOAs, and commercial property managers trust Sound Tree Care for safe, professional tree service in Puyallup and South Hill — backed by experience, licensing, and local knowledge.


🌲 ISA-Certified Arborists 

🥇 Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite 

🚀🏆 Comcast RISE Award Winner 


Trusted for safe, permit-ready tree service in Puyallup and Pierce County.

👉Create an online request to get started today.

Professional Tree Services in Puyallup, WA

Puyallup’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 Puyallup, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, emergency storm response, and arborist evaluations for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial properties throughout South Hill and Pierce County.

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.

Get a Free Estimate

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

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

Request an estimate →

Serving Puyallup and nearby neighborhoods including South Hill. For urgent hazards, call (206) 486-7790.

ISA Certified Arborists in Puyallup

Certified Arborist logo

When tree decisions involve safety, permits, or property concerns, working with a certified arborist in Puyallup matters. Our ISA Certified Arborists provide objective evaluations and documentation used by homeowners, cities, and insurers.


Puyallup arborist services include:

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?

In Puyallup, tree removal permits depend on the tree’s location, size, and whether it falls within a regulated or critical area. In many cases, trees on single-family residential properties are not regulated unless they are located in a critical area, protected buffer, or listed under the City of Puyallup Heritage Tree Program.

The City of Puyallup Tree Removal Flow Chart below outlines when a permit may be required. Our ISA Certified Arborists regularly assist Puyallup homeowners with permit determination, tree risk assessments, and arborist reports when required.

A flow chart for puyallup tree removal

What is a significant tree?


A Significant Tree is any tree with a trunk 15" in diameter or larger (measured at 4.5 feet above grade). These trees are not regulated on single family property or any residential property with four (4) units or less.

What are trees in critical areas?


Critical areas are defined as steep slopes, wetlands and wetland buffers, stream buffers, and/or habitat/greenbelt areas - in all instances, trees in these areas are regulated by the city and require a tree removal permit to be authorized for removal.

What is a heritage tree?


A Heritage Tree is a tree that has been designated, due to the tree's exceptional size, age, or association with a community event or historical significance. If the tree is on private property, the current or former owner of the property voluntarily opted to designate this tree. All Heritage Trees are regulated and protected by the city from removal and/or construction impacts. A permit is required to remove these trees - for more information, view the Heritage Tree Program page.

💬 Tree Service FAQs in Puyallup, WA

Answers from ISA Certified Arborists

These questions address the most common tree service concerns we hear from homeowners in Puyallup and Pierce County, based on real site conditions, permitting rules, and seasonal risks.

  • ❓ How much does tree removal cost in Puyallup?

    Tree removal costs in Puyallup vary based on tree size, location, access, and risk factors such as proximity to homes, power lines, or slopes. Small removals may cost a few hundred dollars, while large or hazardous trees can cost several thousand. An on-site assessment by a certified arborist is the best way to get an accurate estimate.3


    For detailed pricing ranges, see our Puyallup tree removal cost guide.

  • ❓ When is the best time to prune trees in Puyallup?

    Arborist inspects a tree

    Most trees in Puyallup benefit from pruning during the dormant season (late fall through winter), though timing depends on species and goals. Hazard pruning and storm damage cleanup can be done year-round. Our arborists tailor pruning schedules based on tree health, structure, and local weather patterns.


    Learn more about seasonal timing on our trimming and pruning services page.

  • ❓ Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Puyallup, WA?

    Logo of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: a white, abstract symbol on a blue background, next to text.

    Permit requirements in Puyallup depend on tree size, zoning, and whether the tree is located in a critical area, buffer, or regulated site. Some removals require city approval or documentation from an ISA Certified Arborist. We help homeowners determine permit needs and provide arborist reports when required.

  • ❓ What qualifies as a hazardous tree in Puyallup?

    Washington State silhouette graphic

    A hazardous tree is one with defects such as decay, root instability, severe lean, dead tops, or structural failure risk that could impact people or property. Slope conditions, saturated soils, and wind exposure common in Puyallup can increase failure risk. Hazard determinations are made using professional tree risk assessments by certified arborists.

  • ❓ Can you remove trees near homes or power lines in Puyallup?

    Blue circle with a white profile and vertical white lines.

    Yes. We specialize in technical and high-risk removals, including trees located near houses, garages, fences, and utilities. These jobs require advanced rigging, sectional dismantling, and strict safety protocols to protect structures and surrounding property.

  • ❓ Do you provide emergency tree services in Puyallup?

    Yes. We offer emergency response for storm-damaged, fallen, or imminently failing trees in Puyallup and surrounding areas. If a tree or large limb poses an immediate risk, we prioritize safe mitigation and stabilization.


    Visit our Puyallup emergency tree service page for response details.

  • ❓ What is a tree risk assessment and when do I need one?

    A tree risk assessment evaluates the likelihood of tree failure and potential impact to nearby targets. Homeowners often need assessments for insurance claims, permitting, disputes, or peace of mind. Our ISA Certified Arborists provide written evaluations following industry standards.


    Learn more about professional TRAQ-based tree risk assessments.

  • ❓ Do you work on sloped or environmentally sensitive properties in Puyallup?

    Yes. Many properties in Puyallup include slopes, wetlands, or regulated areas. We assess soil conditions, root stability, and access limitations, and coordinate arborist documentation when environmental protections apply.

  • ❓ Should I remove or prune a damaged tree?

    Not all damaged trees need removal. In many cases, selective pruning or mitigation can reduce risk while preserving the tree. An on-site arborist assessment helps determine whether pruning, cabling, or removal is the safest option.

  • ❓ How do I schedule a tree service consultation in Puyallup?

    You can request an on-site evaluation through our website or by phone. An ISA Certified Arborist will assess your trees, explain options, and provide clear recommendations based on safety, cost, and long-term outcomes.


    Start with our free arborist assessment request.

  • ⚖️ What if my Puyallup property is in an Environmentally Critical Area (ECA)?

    Many properties in Puyallup fall within Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) due to the city’s extensive network of creeks, ravines, floodplains, and steep slopes, especially near the Puyallup River and its tributaries. If your tree is located in or near one of these regulated areas, removal is controlled by land-use and environmental code — not just standard tree rules.


    This often means you may need:


    • A Critical Areas Permit
    • A steep slope, floodplain, or wetland review
    • An ISA-Certified Arborist report
    • A tree risk assessment (TRAQ)
    • A replanting or mitigation plan

    Even hazardous trees typically require documentation and approval before removal. Unpermitted work in a Puyallup ECA can result in stop-work orders, fines, and mandatory restoration.


    👉 Learn how ECAs affect tree removal here:

    Environmentally Critical Areas & Tree Work in Washington

Award-Winning, Neighborhood-Trusted Tree Care

Voted by Puyallup 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.

Why Puyallup Homeowners Choose Sound Tree Care

sound tree care logo

• ISA-Certified Arborists on Every Job – Not just sales reps. Actual arborists evaluate your trees for risk, health, and structure.

• Permit-Aware Tree Work – We routinely handle trees near homes, power lines, steep slopes, and regulated areas in Puyallup.

• Licensed, Bonded & Insured in Washington – City-compliant and fully covered for residential and commercial work.

• Local Experience in Pierce County – We understand Puyallup’s soil, slopes, tree species, and development pressures.

• Clear Proposals & No Surprises – You get documented scopes, arborist notes, and clean job sites.


We plan every job around Puyallup’s tree species, slope conditions, and city requirements — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

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 Puyallup?


Whether you need hazardous tree removal, professional pruning, emergency storm response, or help navigating City of Puyallup tree permits, Sound Tree Care is here to help.
Our ISA-Certified Arborists deliver safe, code-compliant tree care tailored to Puyallup’s slopes, mature canopies, and development requirements.


 ✅ Free, no-obligation estimates
✅ Full cleanup & debris hauling
✅ Permit guidance for the City of Puyallup & Pierce County
✅ Safe rigging, climbing & advanced removal techniques

 🌳 ISA-Certified & TRAQ-Qualified arborists

 ⭐ 5-star reviews from Puyallup homeowners

 🔒 Licensed, bonded & fully insured


📞Call: 206-486-7790 — Speak with a local ISA-Certified Arborist
💻 
Request Online: Get a Free Arborist Estimate →
📍 Proudly serving
Puyallup, South Hill, Downtown Puyallup, Edgewood, and surrounding Pierce County communities