Certified Tree Services Tacoma – Removal, Trimming & Reports You Can Trust

At Sound Tree Care LLC, we proudly deliver professional tree services in Tacoma — including tree removal, tree trimming, and certified arborist reports — all backed by ISA Certified Arborists. Whether you’re facing an emergency removal, routine pruning, or navigating Tacoma’s ECA zones and heritage tree protections, our experienced team ensures safe, code-compliant results. We specialize in the needs of homeowners, property managers, and HOAs across Pierce County.

Tacoma Tree Experts with Proven Credentials

From historic North End neighborhoods to South Tacoma and hillside properties, Sound Tree Care provides professional tree services tailored to Tacoma homes and sites. Our work covers everything from new tree planting and structural pruning to hazardous removals, emergency response, and long-term maintenance.

Tacoma properties often involve large legacy trees, slope and soil constraints, proximity to homes and streets, and city permitting requirements. Our ISA Certified Arborists understand Tacoma’s urban forest conditions and provide clear, practical recommendations that prioritize safety, tree health, and code-compliant outcomes.

Whether you’re planning a major tree removal, need expert pruning, or want guidance on tree health and risk, our team is ready to support you at every step. We’re proud to be a Comcast RISE 2025 recipient, a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for five consecutive years, and a trusted choice for safe, professional tree care across Tacoma.


πŸ‘‰ Certified Arborists. Trusted by Tacoma homeowners.
πŸ‘‰ create an online request to get started today.

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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Neighborhood FAVE winner badge from Nextdoor, green and yellow, with text and a trophy icon.

2025 Neighborhood Fave – Nextdoor

2025 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave badge for outstanding tree care service in local communities
ISA Certified Arborist badge showing professional credentials in arboriculture
ISA TRAQ badge representing Tree Risk Assessment Qualified certification for arborists

Professional Tree Services in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma’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 Tacoma including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, emergency storm response, and arborist evaluations for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial properties throughout Tacoma, 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.

Get a Free Estimate

Tell us what you’re dealing with in Tacoma 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 Tacoma and nearby neighborhoods. For urgent hazards, call (206) 486-7790.

ISA Certified Arborists at Tacoma

Certified Arborist logo

Our ISA Certified Arborists  and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessors in Tacoma are here to help with all your Tacoma tree care needs. At Sound Tree Care LLC, we provide expert tree care services for homeowners, businesses, and property managers in all Tacoma neighborhoods.


Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, tree health issues, or need preventative maintenance, our team delivers safe, reliable, and code-compliant tree care tailored to Tacoma’s unique urban forest.

Tacoma Tree Removal Code & Permits – What You Need to Know

Tacoma’s tree removal laws can be strict, especially if your tree is considered “Significant” or located in an Environmental Critical Area (ECA).

Not sure if you need a permit?

➑️ Read our complete Tacoma Tree Code & Permit Guide
➑️ Or contact us — we’ll help you navigate it.

βœ… Do I Need a Permit in Tacoma?

You might need a permit if your project involves:


Tree Work in Tacoma’s Environmental Critical Areas (ECAs)

Tacoma’s Environmental Critical Areas (ECAs) — such as steep slopes, wetlands, and stream buffers — come with extra regulations for tree removal, pruning, and land clearing. If your property falls within an ECA, you may need special permits and an arborist report before any work can begin. At Sound Tree Care, our ISA Certified Arborists are experienced with Tacoma’s ECA code and can help you navigate the process safely and legally. We’ll assess your site, coordinate with the city if needed, and ensure your tree work is fully compliant.

Tacoma Removal Permits & Tree Code (2025 Guide)

Tree removal in Tacoma is regulated by city code, and permits are often required depending on tree size, location, and site conditions. To help homeowners, HOAs, and contractors navigate these rules, we’ve put together a detailed 2025 guide to Tacoma tree removal permits and tree code. This resource explains when permits are required, how Tacoma defines significant trees, what Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) mean for tree work, and what replanting or mitigation may be required after removal. Reviewing this guide before scheduling work can help you avoid fines, delays, and compliance issues.

Map of Washington state highlighting Tacoma with a red star.

🌲 Tacoma Tree Removal Permits & Tree Code – 2025 Complete Guide

By eric B • October 5, 2025
Get expert help navigating Tacoma’s 2025 tree removal permits & code. Learn about significant trees, ECAs, TPZ rules, and replanting requirements.

Tacoma Tree Service FAQ

You’re in the right place. Whether you need expert tree removal in Tacoma, emergency storm cleanup, or seasonal tree trimming and pruning, our ISA Certified Arborists have you covered. We understand Tacoma’s unique tree care challenges — from managing native evergreens to navigating the city’s Environmental Critical Areas (ECAs) and tree permit codes. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions homeowners ask about Tacoma tree service, including hazardous tree evaluations, stump grinding, and heritage tree protection. If you're planning any tree work in Tacoma, this FAQ is your go-to guide.

  • What tree species are most commonly serviced in Tacoma?

    We frequently care for bigleaf maples, Douglas firs, western redcedars, and ornamental trees like cherry, plum, and Japanese maple. Our arborists are familiar with Tacoma’s native and urban species, and we tailor our trimming and care plans to match each one.

  • Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Tacoma?

    Yes, possibly. Tacoma regulates removal of street trees, trees in ECAs (Environmentally Critical Areas), and designated Heritage Trees. We can help you determine if your project needs a permit and guide you through the process.

  • What are Tacoma’s most common tree health problems?

    Tree pests like aphids, scale insects, and root rot are common. Invasive species and poor pruning practices can also affect tree health. We provide diagnostic assessments and treatment plans to restore tree vitality.

  • What’s the benefit of hiring an ISA Certified Arborist?

    ISA Certified Arborists have verified training and experience in tree biology, risk assessment, and proper pruning techniques. Sound Tree Care’s certified team ensures work is safe, sustainable, and code-compliant.

  • How do Tacoma’s environmental zones affect tree work?

    Steep slopes, wetlands, and shorelines in Tacoma are protected ECAs. Work in these areas usually requires additional permitting and arborist documentation. Our team handles ECA compliance and reporting.

  • Can you help with emergency tree removal in Tacoma?

    Absolutely. Storm damage, fallen limbs, or hazardous leaning trees require prompt response. We’re equipped for fast, safe emergency tree removal anywhere in Tacoma.

Award-Winning, Neighborhood-Trusted Tree Care

Voted by Tacoma 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.

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

Tacoma Page Authorship & Review

This Tacoma tree service page is written and reviewed by ISA Certified Arborists to provide clear, accurate guidance for homeowners seeking professional tree service in Tacoma. Content reflects real-world experience with tree pruning, tree removal, arborist assessments, and permitting considerations specific to Tacoma and surrounding Puget Sound communities.

Written By
AJ Flanagan, ISA Certified Arborist

AJ Flanigan

Assistant Operations Manager

ISA Certified Arborist (PN-374999A)

AJ supports on-site evaluations and practical recommendations for tree pruning, tree removal, and tree care in Tacoma. His work includes assessing large residential trees, navigating access constraints, and supporting safe, standards-based decisions for homeowners across Tacoma neighborhoods. This page reflects current arboricultural practices and field experience relevant to Tacoma tree service needs, including routine maintenance and higher-risk removals.

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 Tacoma page for accuracy and alignment with ISA Best Management Practices, ANSI A300 standards, and common City of Tacoma tree permitting and code considerations. Review emphasis includes arborist guidance related to tree removal in Tacoma, structural pruning, and tree risk assessment near homes and streets. This content is informational and does not constitute legal advice.

πŸ‘‰ View Arborist Profile

🌲Ready for Expert Tree Services in Tacoma


From University Place to the Eastside, Sound Tree Care delivers safe, code-compliant service backed by ISA-Certified Arborists. Whether you need emergency cleanup after a windstorm, help navigating Tacoma tree permits, or routine pruning to protect your Tacoma home, we’re here to provide fast, professional support.

 

βœ… Free, No-Obligation Estimates

πŸͺ΅ Full Cleanup & Debris Removal

πŸ—οΈ Permit Guidance for Tacoma

⚠️ Safe Work Procedures for Tree Removals


🧰 ISA Certified Arborists, TRAQ-Qualified

⭐ 5-Star Rated on Google, Yelp & Facebook

πŸ›‘οΈ Licensed, Insured & Code-Compliant

πŸ₯‡ Experience the Sound Difference: Trusted. Local. Professional.


 πŸ“ž Call us now at 206-486-7790 – Click to call!
πŸ“ Request an Online Quote: Client Hub

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πŸ“ Serving Tacoma neighborhoods including North End, Ruston, South End, Lakeside, Proctor District, Hilltop, Stadium District, Lincoln, and surrounding areas.