Olympia is celebrated for its lush urban canopy and towering native timber, but when a mature Douglas fir or bigleaf maple threatens a residential roof or utility service along Cooper Point Road or Eastside Street, navigating city regulations is the first critical step.
Under Olympia Municipal Code (OMC Title 16, Environment and Shorelines), the city enforces strict urban forest preservation rules. In general, removing any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 inches or greater on private property requires a formal tree removal permit review from the Community Planning and Development Department.
Trees designated as 'Landmark Trees'—typically native conifers measuring 24 inches DBH or greater, or native hardwoods over 30 inches DBH—face elevated protection standards. Removing a healthy landmark tree is generally prohibited unless an applicant can prove reasonable property use is compromised or a certified arborist documents severe structural disease.
Properties located within environmentally critical areas—such as steep marine bluffs along Budd Inlet, wetland buffer corridors, or landslide hazard zones on West Olympia hillsides—are subject to additional geotechnical scrutiny. Unpermitted cutting in critical areas can trigger heavy civil penalties exceeding $5,000 to $10,000 per violation.
Olympia Tree Removal Pros assists homeowners through every stage of the municipal compliance process. Our ISA-certified arborists produce detailed tree hazard evaluation reports (TRAQ assessments), submit site plans, coordinate with city urban foresters, and obtain all necessary municipal approvals before chain saws touch timber.