Tree Removal in Auburn & Kent, WA

Crane-assisted tree removal by Pacific Arboriculture with an arborist working aloft in a large hardwood

When a tree becomes hazardous, diseased, or simply needs to be removed for a project, it’s not a job for just anyone with a chainsaw. At Pacific Arboriculture, our ISA Certified Arborists and NCCCO crane-certified operators deliver safe, efficient tree removal services for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities across the Puget Sound region. We specialize in complex removals, including trees near structures, trees growing next to power lines, and trees weakened by storm damage.

ISA Certified ArboristsNCCCO Crane Operators BBB A+ Rated$1M Insured Washington L&I Contractor License PACIFA*813KG · Serving Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Renton, Tacoma, Puyallup and the surrounding South Puget Sound

Free on-site assessment · 24/7 emergency response available


What we remove

Tree Removal Services from Certified Arborists

Every removal is different. We take the time to evaluate each tree and tailor a removal plan that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and the health of your landscape.

Full Tree Removal

From towering Douglas firs to damaged deciduous trees, we handle full dismantling using ropes, climbers, or cranes when needed. We manage debris, haul-off, and leave your site clean.

Hazardous Tree Removal

We assess for signs of internal decay, root instability, or storm damage and remove the tree before it causes property damage or injury.

Crane-Assisted Removals

For trees in tight quarters or too risky to dismantle manually, our crane-certified operators safely lift and remove large sections without harming nearby structures.

Branch & Limb Clearing

Partial removals for storm damage, road clearance, or safety concerns.

Need the stump gone too? See stump grinding services.


Start to finish

How Our Tree Removal Process Works

We make the process simple and transparent from start to finish.

Free Consultation

Contact us to schedule an on-site visit with one of our ISA Certified Arborists.

Evaluation & Recommendation

We assess the tree, your property, and your goals. If removal is needed, we explain why.

Clear Written Estimate

You’ll receive a no-obligation quote with details about equipment, timing, and cleanup.

Safe Removal

Our team arrives as scheduled, performs the work safely, and removes all debris.

Final Walkthrough

We confirm you’re satisfied before wrapping up the job.


Local regulations

Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree?

Every city we work in regulates removal differently. Open the list below to see each city’s rule, linked to the jurisdiction’s own municipal code so you can verify it yourself.

Permit rules by city10 jurisdictions
CityWhen a permit is typically requiredCode
AuburnUp to 6 trees per lot in any 12-month period may be removed without a clearing permitACC 15.74.050(A)(4)
RentonA permit is required for more than 2 significant trees per calendar year, or any landmark tree (24″+)RMC 4-4-130
BurienAn annual allowance by lot size: 1 tree under 5,000 sq ft, up to 5 trees at 20,001 sq ft+BMC 19.26
Federal WayOn a developed residential lot, trees up to 6″ DBH may be removed without city reviewFWRC 19.120.030(9)
KentRetention rules apply to undeveloped property and new development, at 6″ diameter and aboveKCC 15.08.240
Maple ValleyLandmark trees (24″+) need a permit regardless of lot size; significant trees are 12″+MVMC 18.40.140
Des MoinesTriggered by area cleared (2,000 sq ft), not tree count. Significant tree removal carries 3:1 replacementDMMC 16.25
TacomaNo private-property removal permit unless the tree is in a regulated critical areaTMC 13.11
PuyallupSignificant-tree rules (over 15″ DBH) do not apply to most single-family lots unless in a critical areaPMC 21.06
Bonney LakeA removal permit is required by default unless a listed exemption appliesBLMC 16.64.010(A)

Summarised from each city’s adopted code as of August 2026. Codes change, and this table covers the common residential case only.

What overrides all of itCritical areas, landmark trees, replanting

Three things change the answer regardless of the table. A tree in a critical area — wetland, stream buffer, or steep slope — is regulated almost everywhere, even when the same tree out front would not be. A landmark or exceptional tree, usually 24 to 30 inches depending on the city, needs review no matter your count. And most cities require replacement planting once you cross the threshold.

Genuinely hazardous trees are the exception — most codes let an imminently dangerous tree come down without waiting, though several cities want documentation afterward, which is where an arborist report comes in.

We check the current code for your address before quoting, and we will tell you if a permit is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Tree Removal Services

A straightforward residential removal typically takes 2 – 6 hours from set-up to final cleanup. Large hazard trees, crane-assisted removals, and storm-damaged trees may take a full day or longer.

If you need to remove trees near your home or other structures, Pacific Arboriculture can help. Our team has the expertise to safely remove trees near homes and other structures. We understand the intricacies of safely removing trees in tight spaces, so we take extra precautions to prevent damage to your property. Rest assured, our tree removal services prioritize safety and precision. Contact us for all your tree removal services around the Puget Sound area.

Yes, but the site is inspected for active nests before any cutting starts. If an active nest is found, the work is paused and rescheduled in accordance with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Property protection is part of every job. Plywood, matting, and rigging keep the lawn, driveway, irrigation, and landscaping intact. The work area is walked with the homeowner before sign-off.

Pacific Arboriculture works across south King County and north Pierce County from our shop in Auburn. These are the 20 communities we serve and the ZIP codes they cover.

King County

  • Auburn — 98001, 98002, 98092
  • Kent — 98030, 98031, 98032, 98042
  • Federal Way — 98003, 98023
  • Renton — 98055, 98056, 98057, 98058, 98059
  • Fairwood — 98058
  • Covington — 98042
  • Maple Valley — 98038
  • Burien — 98146, 98148, 98166, 98168
  • SeaTac — 98148, 98158, 98168, 98188, 98198
  • Tukwila — 98108, 98168, 98178, 98188
  • Des Moines — 98148, 98198
  • Normandy Park — 98148, 98166, 98198
  • Pacific — 98001, 98047

Pierce County

  • Tacoma — 98402, 98403, 98404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, 98409, 98418, 98421, 98422, 98443, 98444, 98445, 98446, 98465, 98466
  • Puyallup — 98371, 98372, 98373, 98374, 98375
  • Fife — 98424
  • Sumner — 98390, 98391
  • Edgewood — 98371, 98372
  • Bonney Lake — 98391
  • Lake Tapps — 98391

Several of these communities share a ZIP code with a neighbor, so seeing the same number twice is normal. Puyallup includes South Hill, and the Tacoma list covers the Midland, Summit and Parkland areas. Not sure whether you are in range? Call (206) 909-2170 with your address and you will get a straight answer. City-by-city detail is on the areas we serve page.

24/7 response

Emergency Tree Removal

Storm damage, a tree on a structure, or a failure blocking access — call and a crew is dispatched. Emergency work is quoted on its own hourly structure.

Pricing

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

Every removal job is bid based on the specific tree, the site, and the access. The ranges below reflect typical residential removals across Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Renton, Tacoma, Puyallup, and the surrounding South Puget Sound service area. Every quote from Pacific Arboriculture is free and includes debris haul-off.

Tree SizeDiameter (DBH)Typical Cost Range
SmallUnder 30 ft, less than 12"$500 – $1,000
Medium30 – 60 ft, 12" – 24"$800 – $2,000
Large60 – 80 ft, 24" – 36"$1,500 – $4,000
Very Large / Hazard80 ft+, 36"+$3,000 – $10,000

Pricing shown is approximate. DBH = diameter at breast height (4.5 ft up the trunk). A $500 minimum applies to tree service work. Every quote depends on site access, work zone obstacles, the equipment required, any priority service scheduling, and the removal options you choose — stump grinding, firewood rounds left on site, or leaving a wildlife habitat snag. Debris haul-off is included on every tree removal. Emergency work is quoted on a separate hourly structure.

For a size-by-size breakdown, use the tree removal cost estimator.

The crew on your property

ISA Certified Arborists

Every certification number below links to that arborist’s credential record with the International Society of Arboriculture, so you can verify it before anyone sets foot on your property.

Ryan Seeley, ISA Certified Arborist at Pacific Arboriculture
Ryan Seeley
Founder & Owner
ISA PN-8096ATTRAQ · Climber Specialist · NCCCO
Tom Larson, ISA Certified Arborist at Pacific Arboriculture
Tom Larson
Crew Lead
ISA PN-373405A
Brandon Harber, ISA Certified Arborist at Pacific Arboriculture
Brandon Harber
Crew Lead
ISA PN-384451A
Brandon Danioth, ISA Certified Arborist at Pacific Arboriculture
Brandon Danioth
Training Manager
ISA PN-373406ATRAQ Qualified
Mitch Flannery, ISA Certified Arborist at Pacific Arboriculture
Mitch Flannery
Arborist Consultant
ISA PN-9076ATRAQ Qualified

Washington L&I Contractor License PACIFA*813KG · WSDA Pesticide Applicator #109480 · $1M liability insured

Schedule Your Tree Removal

Whether you’re dealing with a hazard, planning a renovation, or just want an expert’s opinion, we’re ready to help.