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Seattle Tree Pruning & Tree Trimming Services


Seattle tree pruning and trimming should be done with purpose, not guesswork. Our ISA-certified arborists provide professional tree pruning in Seattle using ANSI A300 standards to improve tree health, manage risk, and maintain code compliance. Whether homeowners call it “tree trimming” or “pruning,” we focus on proper cuts, species-specific care, and Seattle’s permitting requirements—so your trees stay safe, healthy, and protected long term.

Our Seattle Tree Pruning & Trimming Services

From routine maintenance pruning to complex, permit-aware work, Sound Tree Care provides professional, arborist-led tree pruning and trimming throughout Seattle. Our ISA Certified Arborists follow ANSI A300 pruning standards to improve tree health, manage structural risk, and maintain compliance with Seattle municipal code, SDCI regulations, and environmentally critical area (ECA) requirements.

Seattle homeowners often use the term tree trimming, but proper pruning goes far beyond aesthetics. We focus on correct pruning cuts, species-specific growth habits, and long-term structure—not topping, over-thinning, or shortcut work that leads to decline or failure. Whether you’re addressing overextended limbs, clearance from structures, storm damage, or permit-related pruning, our arborists evaluate each tree individually and apply defensible, standards-based solutions.ο»Ώ

We work closely with homeowners, builders, HOAs, and property managers to ensure every pruning plan is justified, documented, and code compliant. From young tree structural pruning to mature tree risk reduction, our goal is to protect people, property, and Seattle’s urban forest—while avoiding costly mistakes and future problems.

We’re proud to be a Comcast RISE 2025 recipient, a member of the Seattle Metro Chamber, and a certified GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association) business—organizations that recognize companies committed to professionalism, equity, and responsible business practices across the Seattle region.

These affiliations reflect our commitment to safe, ethical, and accountable tree pruning and trimming in Seattle. Whether you need expert guidance on proper pruning, permit-sensitive work, or arborist documentation, our team delivers trusted, certified, and defensible tree care Seattle property owners can rely on.


πŸ‘‰Request a Certified Arborist Consultation

πŸ‘‰Schedule an Arborist Pruning Evaluation

Comcast RISE 2025 award badge recognizing Sound Tree Care for innovation and small business impact

Comcast RISE 2025 Grant Recipient

Comcast RISE 2025 award badge recognizing Sound Tree Care for innovation and small business impact

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Registered Seattle Tree Service Provider – Why It Matters

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SDOT Logo

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Certified Arborist logo with green leaf, text, and ISA seal.

Certified Arborist Badge

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ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications logo: black frame, green tree, white text.

Qualified Tree Risk Assessor Badge

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Sound Tree Care LLC is a fully registered, licensed, and Seattle-approved tree service provider. Our team is authorized to perform tree removal, pruning, and arborist work that complies with all Seattle tree regulations. Our credentials include:

  • Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) – License: TSP-18505
  • Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) – License: TSP-18505

As a long-standing Seattle arborist company, we specialize in navigating Seattle tree removal permits, SDCI Tree Code requirements, SDOT street tree regulations, and environmentally critical area (ECA) protections. We ensure every pruning, removal, or risk assessment complies with city rules — preventing costly violations, delays, or rejections.

With an ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessor overseeing your project, you receive expert evaluations, precise documentation, and a streamlined permitting process tailored to Seattle’s regulations.


⚠️ Why it’s important:

 Only providers registered with SDCI and SDOT are legally permitted to work on Seattle’s regulated trees. Hiring an unregistered company can result in fines, stop-work orders, or removal permit denials.

City of Seattle Seal

Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Tree Service Provider

Sound Tree Care LLC is licensed with SDOT to perform permitted pruning and removal of Seattle Street trees, ensuring compliance with Seattle right-of-way safety, visibility, and clearance standards.


LIC-TSP-18505

LEARN MORE →
City of Seattle Seal

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) Registered Provider

We are approved by SDCI to perform permitted removal, pruning, and arborist reporting on private property within Seattle — including steep slopes, ECAs, wetlands, buffer zones, and regulated tree categories.


LIC-TSP-18505

REGISTERED TREE SERVICE PROVIDERS →

What Each Seattle License Allows Us to Do

βœ” Street Tree Pruning & Removals 🌲

βœ” Traffic & Pedestrian Right-of-Way Compliance 🚧

βœ” Utility Line Clearance (Non-Electrical) ⚑

What Each Seattle License Allows Us to Do

βœ” Regulated Tree Removals (Tier 1–Tier 3) πŸ“

βœ” Arborist Reports & Tree Protection Plans πŸ“˜

βœ” ECA-Compliant Work πŸ›οΈ

Tree Pruning in Seattle: What Homeowners Need to Know

Tree pruning in Seattle often involves more than simply cutting branches. Depending on tree size, species, location, and site conditions, pruning work may be regulated by Seattle’s tree code and require permits, professional documentation, or review by the city. Improper pruning can damage tree health, increase failure risk, or result in costly code violations.

Sound Tree Care provides Seattle tree pruning and trimming services guided by ISA Certified Arborists who evaluate structure, growth patterns, and regulatory requirements before work begins. Whether pruning is performed for clearance, risk reduction, storm damage, or permit compliance, our approach prioritizes tree health, public safety, and defensible arboricultural standards.

Our Seattle Tree Pruning & Trimming Services Include

From routine maintenance to permit-sensitive pruning under Seattle’s tree code, our arborists deliver precise, standards-based pruning tailored to each tree and site.

Structural & Health Pruning

Improve long-term tree structure, correct growth defects, and promote healthy canopy development using ANSI A300 pruning standards.

Clearance & Risk Reduction Pruning

Reduce risk by addressing overextended or hazardous limbs near homes, roofs, driveways, sidewalks, utilities, and public right-of-way areas..

Permit-Required & Regulated Pruning

Support pruning work affected by Seattle’s tree code, including Tier 1–3 trees, Exceptional Trees, and trees within Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs). We help document and justify pruning properly.

Storm Damage & Corrective Pruning

Address broken, cracked, or storm-damaged limbs with corrective pruning that stabilizes trees while minimizing unnecessary removal.

ISA Certified Arborists for Tree Pruning at Seattle

Certified Arborist logo

When tree pruning decisions involve safety, permits, or long-term tree health, working with an ISA Certified Arborist in Seattle matters. Our arborists provide objective evaluations and professional documentation used by homeowners, cities, and insurers to support proper pruning, risk management, and code compliance.


Rather than defaulting to aggressive cutting or unnecessary removals, our arborists assess tree structure, species characteristics, site conditions, and regulatory requirements before pruning begins. This ensures pruning work improves tree health, reduces risk, and aligns with Seattle’s tree code and best management practices.


Our arborist services related to pruning include:

Award-Winning, Neighborhood-Trusted Tree Pruning & Trimming

Voted by Seattle homeowners for safe, reliable, and code-compliant tree care, Sound Tree Care LLC is proud to be a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for five consecutive years (2021–2025). This recognition reflects consistent, high-quality tree pruning, trimming, and arborist services delivered by certified professionals who understand Seattle’s unique regulations and tree protection standards.

Homeowners continue to recognize our team for precision pruning, clear communication, and responsible arborist guidance—not shortcut trimming or unnecessary removals. Being voted a Neighborhood Favorite year after year reflects our commitment to doing the work correctly, protecting tree health, and earning long-term trust within Seattle neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Fave award from Nextdoor, winner in 2025. Green and gold square with text and trophy icon.

2025 Neighborhood Fave – Nextdoor

2025 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave badge for outstanding tree care service in local communities
2024 Nextdoor Favorite award honoring trusted local tree care provider

2024 Neighborhood Fave – Nextdoor

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2023 Neighborhood Fave badge from Nextdoor, awarded for top-rated tree services
Bright green 2022 Neighborhood Favorite badge awarded to Sound Tree Care for trusted tree services

2022 Neighborhood Favorite – Nextdoor

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2021 Nextdoor Favorite badge showing community trust in Sound Tree Care’s services

Does Tree Pruning Require a Permit in Seattle?

Yes — tree pruning in Seattle can require a permit in certain situations. While routine pruning is often allowed, pruning may be regulated when it affects protected trees, Tier 1–3 trees, Exceptional Trees, or trees located within Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) or public right-of-way.

Seattle’s tree code evaluates pruning based on:

  • Tree size and species
  • Amount of canopy or structural material removed
  • Location (private property vs. street trees)
  • Whether pruning impacts long-term tree health or stability

Improper or excessive pruning—sometimes called “over-trimming” or topping—can trigger violations, fines, or enforcement action.

Our ISA Certified Arborists help Seattle homeowners determine when pruning requires a permit, prepare supporting documentation when needed, and design defensible pruning plans that comply with city regulations while protecting tree health.

πŸ‘‰ Not sure if your pruning project needs approval? We can evaluate it before work begins.

Seattle Tree Codes, Pruning Permits, and Arborist Regulations (2026 Guide)

Tree pruning in Seattle is regulated under one of the most complex municipal tree codes in Washington State. Depending on tree size, species, location, and zoning, pruning work may require permits, professional documentation, or review by the city—particularly when it affects Tier 1–3 trees, Exceptional Trees, street trees, or trees within Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs).

To help homeowners, HOAs, and property managers plan pruning responsibly, the resources below explain how Seattle regulates tree work, when arborist involvement is required, and how pruning decisions intersect with permit rules, enforcement thresholds, and long-term tree protection. While some guides focus broadly on Seattle’s tree code or removal permits, the same regulations often determine what pruning is allowed, limited, or prohibited.

Reviewing these resources before starting work can help you confirm compliance, avoid over-pruning violations, and ensure your pruning plan is defensible if reviewed by the city.

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🌳 Seattle Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code – 2025 Complete Guide

By Eric Ledford • October 4, 2025
Learn when you need a tree removal permit in Seattle, how to comply with ECA and Tier 2/3 tree rules, and why hiring a Registered Tree Service Provider (RTSP) is required under the city’s 2025 tree code.
why hire an ISA certified arborist to care for your trees, Sound Tree Care

Why Hire An ISA Certified Arborist To Care For Your Trees?

By Eric Ledford • July 8, 2023
Many people ask us if they need an arborist to take care of their trees and why, so I thought I’d address that question in this article. The simple answer is it depends on what you need. The state of Washington has put in place strict laws and regulations to preserve, expand, and protect our urban forests. Many of those regulations require you to enlist the help of a registered tree service and an ISA-certified arborist. But before I get into the nitty-gritty of what types of tree care you need an arborist for, let me explain what a certified arborist is and why they are the best person to care for your trees, hedges, and woody landscapes.
why you must hire a city-approved tree service in seattle wa, sound tree care

Why Hire a Registered Tree Service in Seattle

By Eric Ledford • January 23, 2023
If you need tree care or removal in Seattle, WA, you must hire a registered tree service provider; and here's why.

Not sure how Seattle’s tree code applies to your pruning project? Our ISA Certified Arborists can evaluate requirements before work begins.

Content Authorship & Review

This page is written and reviewed by ISA Certified Arborists to provide accurate, defensible guidance for homeowners navigating tree pruning, trimming, and arborist decisions in Seattle.

Written By
AJ Flanagan, ISA Certified Arborist

AJ Flanigan

Assistant Operations Manager

ISA Certified Arborist (PN-374999A)

AJ supports on-site pruning evaluations and arborist recommendations across the Puget Sound region. His work reflects current ANSI A300 pruning standards and field-based arboricultural best practices.

πŸ‘‰ View Arborist Profile
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 standards, ANSI A300 pruning guidance, and Seattle municipal tree regulations. This content is informational and not legal advice.

πŸ‘‰ View Arborist Profile

Ready for Expert Tree Pruning & Trimming in Seattle?


Whether you’re managing overgrown limbs, addressing clearance issues, or navigating permit-sensitive pruning, Sound Tree Care LLC provides expert tree pruning and trimming services throughout Seattle. Our ISA Certified Arborists understand Seattle’s tree code, Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs), and permitting thresholds—and apply standards-based pruning that protects both trees and property.

 

βœ… What You Can Expect

  • Free, no-obligation tree pruning estimates
  • ANSI A300–compliant pruning by certified arborists
  • Guidance on Seattle tree permits and regulations
  • Structural, clearance, and risk-reduction pruning
  • Clean, professional work on residential and commercial properties


🌟 Why Seattle Homeowners Trust Sound Tree Care

  • ISA Certified Arborists & TRAQ-Qualified Tree Risk Assessors
  • 5-Star reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook
  • Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
  • Trusted throughout Seattle neighborhoods


πŸ“ž Call us at 206-486-7790 to speak with a Seattle-area arborist.
πŸ“ Request an Online Quote: Client Hub

πŸ“ Proudly serving North Seattle, West Seattle, Ballard, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Beacon Hill, and surrounding Seattle neighborhoods.