What Is Timber Trespass RCW 64.12.030 Explained

Timber trespass is one of the most expensive legal mistakes a homeowner or contractor can make in Washington State. Under RCW 64.12.030, even unintentionally cutting, damaging, or removing a tree on someone else’s property can result in treble damages, appraisal costs, restoration requirements, and additional civil liability. This page explains what timber trespass means under Washington law, how damages are calculated, how boundary trees are treated, and what steps property owners can take to avoid costly disputes before any tree work begins.

📊 RCW 64.12.030: Timber Trespass Damages

Related Washington State Tree Law Resources

To explore related legal and ownership questions in more detail, visit our Tree Law Resource Hub:

• Washington Tree Laws – permitting, protected trees, and local regulations
• Tree Ownership & Boundary Trees – who owns a tree on or near a property line
• Who Pays for Tree Removal? – responsibility and cost allocation when trees fail or must be removed
• Timber Trespass in Washington – penalties and remedies for unauthorized cutting
• Overhanging Branches & Trimming Rights in Washington State - what you’re allowed to trim, when permission is required, and how to avoid disputes or unintended tree damage
  

📌 Key Takeaways (Washington Timber Trespass Laws)

• Cutting or damaging a tree you do not own can trigger triple damages under RCW 64.12.030.
• A tree whose trunk crosses a property line is legally a shared boundary tree—and requires written consent from all owners before pruning or removal.
• Mature species like Douglas fir, black walnut, or white oak often appraise at $20,000–$100,000+, so treble damages can escalate fast.
• Liability applies whether the trespass was intentional or accidental.
• Always confirm ownership, property lines, and jurisdictional tree laws before performing any work.
  

✅ What You're Allowed to Do (Legal)

• Trim overhanging branches up to your property line (must not harm tree doing so)
• Remove dead limbs that don’t harm the overall health of the tree
• Obtain written permission (like a signed agreement) before any removal or extensive trimming

🚫 What You Must Avoid (Illegal & Risky)

• Girdling, cutting down, or poisoning a boundary or shared tree
• Removing or uprooting the trunk or roots of a tree that straddles or affects both properties
• Proceeding without your neighbor’s written consent if there's any risk of harm or damage

💰 Who pays for tree removal when a tree falls?

Learn how responsibility is determined in Washington State—including insurance coverage, property lines, and exceptions—in our guide to tree removal responsibility in Washington State.

Strict Liability & Treble Damages

💡What You Can Do vs. What’s a Trespass

🧭📏When trees appear near your property line, it’s important to understand who owns what—and what that means legally. Your trees, rooted fully on your land, are entirely under your control (within local regulations); your neighbor’s trees, while they may overhang into your yard, legally belong to them, and pruning must be done with care and adherence to boundary rules; and boundary (shared) trees, whose trunks or roots straddle the line, are joint assets—and under Washington’s timber trespass statute, harming them without written consent can trigger serious consequences like treble damages. This three-card section helps make these distinctions clear, so you can act confidently and responsibly.

Resources for Further Reading on Washington State Tree Laws

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Washington tree laws vary by jurisdiction, and outcomes depend on specific site conditions. For legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney familiar with Washington State tree law. For arboricultural assessments, contact an ISA Certified Arborist or TRAQ Qualified tree risk assessor.