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.

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.

🌿 Get a Free Estimate →

Call Us: 206-486-7790

Tacoma Tree Experts with Proven Credentials

From planting new trees to trimming old ones, from emergency care to routine maintenance, Sound Tree Care offers the full spectrum of tree services — and we back it all with proven credentials.

Whether you're planning a large-scale removal or need expert help with tree health, our ISA Certified Arborists are ready to guide you every step of the way. We’re proud to be a Comcast RISE 2025 recipient, a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite 5 years running, and a trusted name for safe, code-compliant tree care across Tacoma.

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

2024 Nextdoor Favorite award honoring trusted local tree care provider

2024 Neighborhood Fave – Nextdoor

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Bright green 2022 Neighborhood Favorite badge awarded to Sound Tree Care for trusted tree services

2022 Neighborhood Favorite – Nextdoor

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2023 Neighborhood Fave badge from Nextdoor, awarded for top-rated tree services

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

ISA TRAQ badge representing Tree Risk Assessment Qualified certification for arborists

💡 Certified Arborists. Trusted by homeowners. Award-winning tree care in Tacoma since 2020. — create an online request to get started today.

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.

Tree Removal

Hazard and storm-damaged removals, tight-access work, and removals near homes, fences, and utilities in Tacoma.

Explore tree removal →

Tree Trimming & Pruning

ANSI A300 pruning for clearance, risk reduction, and long-term structure—done with species-appropriate methods.

Explore tree trimming →

Stump Grinding

Remove stumps of all sizes while minimizing ground disturbance—clean finish for replanting or landscaping.

Explore stump grinding →

Emergency Tree Service

Response for fallen trees, split trunks, and sudden failures—focused on safety, access, and documentation when needed.

Explore emergency service →

Arborist Services & Reports

Permits, insurance documentation, and defensible evaluations by ISA Certified Arborists and TRAQ-qualified assessors.

Explore arborist services →

Land Clearing

Selective clearing, brush removal, ivy/blackberry removal, and site prep for development or property improvements.

Explore land clearing →

Tree Cabling & Bracing

Support systems for structurally compromised trees—reduce movement and failure risk where preservation matters.

Explore cabling & bracing →

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

Tree risk assessments
Arborist reports for permits or disputes

Tree condition evaluations
Construction and development consulting

Real Arborist Work in Tacoma

arborist emergency tree removal at Tacoma

arborist performing a tree risk assessment at Tacoma

Tacoma Tree 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?

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

✅ Do I Need a Permit in Tacoma?

You might need a permit if your project involves:

🌳 Street trees — trees in the planting strip or public right-of-way
🏞️ Environmental Critical Areas (ECAs) — steep slopes, wetlands, or stream buffers
🏛️ Significant or Landmark Trees — large trees or designated heritage trees

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 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.