Tree removal in Federal Way

Reasons Federal Way homeowners remove trees

Most healthy trees are worth keeping, and in Federal Way they also count toward your lot's required tree density. Removal usually comes up when:

• The tree is dead or clearly declining, with a bare or browning crown, falling bark, or lots of dead limbs.
• It's a hazard, such as a cracked trunk, a split union, a dead top, or a lean toward the house that's new or getting worse.
• There's decay at the base: conks, mushrooms or soft, punky wood. Root rots are common in older firs and hemlocks.
• It's damaging something, like the foundation, roof, septic system or driveway.
• It's in the way of a project. Development and redevelopment have their own tree retention standards, so plan for them early.

Approval first, then the saw

Unlike many cities, Federal Way requires approval for most tree removal unless an exemption applies. For a developed single-family lot, that is often just written approval from the city. A hazard tree can be removed without approval only if it's outside critical areas, wasn't required to be kept by an earlier permit, and removing it won't change how stormwater moves on the property. When a tree is declared hazardous, the city may want that call made by a qualified expert such as a certified arborist. Removing trees without proper approval can bring civil penalties for each tree and required restoration, so it pays to check first.

How the work is done

Big conifers on wooded Federal Way lots usually come down in sections, with climbers or a lift taking the tree apart and lowering pieces on ropes past the roof and fences. On lakefront and bluff lots, crews also need to protect the slope and shoreline and keep debris out of the water. A crane can make some jobs faster and safer when there's access for it.

Get these in writing

• Which trees are being removed (marked or photographed)
• Debris plan: hauled, chipped, or left as firewood rounds
• Stump grinding included or not, and how deep
• Lawn, bed and hardscape protection, and who is responsible for damage
• The contractor's registered name and WA contractor registration number
• Who is getting the city approval, and whether any replacement trees are part of the job

What changes the price

Each job is priced after someone sees the tree. Height, trunk size and condition, how close it is to the house and lines, climbing versus lift versus crane, slope, access, and cleanup all matter.

Power lines

Puget Sound Energy serves Federal Way and runs a tree-trimming program for trees near its lines. Never let anyone who isn't qualified for line-clearance work prune or fell near energized lines. A tree service can coordinate with PSE when needed.