Approved Tree List 

The city maintains a list of Approved Street Tree species and cultivars that have proven to do well in right-of-way, be resilient to urban and changing climate conditions, and do not damage underground utilities. All commercial, industrial, and residential projects shall utilize this list. Selections should be aesthetically compatible with existing trees planted on adjacent portions of the street. Choosing a diversity of tree species for a project is highly encouraged.

Use this online tool to select the right tree for your project:

Tumwater Approved Street and Right of Way Tree Selector

Users should filter the Approved Street Tree List to show trees that will thrive in different conditions such as different planting strip widths and under overhead wires. Users also can filter by drought tolerance, native species only, by foliage color, flower color, and reference a shortened list of specific recommendations from the city Urban Forester and Tree Board.

A spreadsheet of the Approved Street Tree List is also available for download. View the PDF.

Prohibited Trees

• Trees with roots that can obstruct or injure sewers or underground utilities, such as willow, cottonwood, or poplar, are not permitted without the approval of the Director of Public Works. 
• No trees or shrubs that hinder the public right-of-way can be planted either. Certain trees are never allowed to be planted in the public right-of-way, see below.

Tree species not allowed in public rights-of-way

• Fruit trees (except for ornamental types)
• Nut trees
• Ailanthus
• All Ash species (Fraxinis spp.)
• Oregon or big leaf maple
• American elm or
• Any other tree whose roots may cause injury to sidewalks or pavements.

Tree Removal Permit Required

Because trees can have such a significant impact on the community, a land clearing permit or tree permit waiver is required under TMC 16.08 for removal of a tree within the City. 
Most property owners are allowed to remove up to six trees in a three year period on a single land parcel. Property owners that meet this criteria must apply for a Tree Permit Waiver (below).

Tree Permit Waiver

For land owners wishing to remove less than six trees in a three period.

• Complete the Tree Removal Waiver Application Form.
• Include the number and location of trees to be removed.
• The department may request additional documentation per TMC 16.08.
• There is no fee for processing a waiver.

Note:  This is an over-the-counter permit process, with no fee.

Hazardous Trees

If a land owner believes that a tree on their property is a danger to life or property, they can request an exemption from obtaining a tree removal permit. Approval of this exemption it subject to two conditions.

1. The hazardous condition is verified by the City's Tree Protection Professional, with the land owner responsible for paying the City Tree Protection Professional's fee (currently $150.00 per hour).
2. The land owner shall plant at least one replacement tree. The replacement tree is required to meet minimum standards of the tree and vegetation protection ordinance. The minimum standard for replacement trees is 2-inches in diameter measured 6-inches above the root collar.

If you have any questions, please contact Community Development staff at (360) 754-4180.

To Apply for a Tree Permit

A Land Clearing Permit is required to remove more than six trees on any single parcel of land in Tumwater within a three year period.

• Complete the forms:

o Land Clearing Permit Application 
o Land Clearing Permit Submittal Checklist 

• Pay appropriate permit fee(s).

For projects that are subject to the City's Development Review process, the land clearing permit process is completed as part of the Site Development/Grading Permit review.

Topping Trees

It is illegal in Tumwater to top trees. It’s never a good idea to top trees, moreover, it is prohibited under the City’s Tree and Vegetation Protection Ordinance. Not only does it damage the tree, it makes it more susceptible to disease and death and it usually turns the once-majestic tree into an eyesore. Plus, topped trees require a lot more work. 

City of Tumwater Tree Account

The City of Tumwater has a “Tree Account” for the purposes of acquiring, maintaining and preserving wooded areas, and for planting and maintaining trees in public spaces.

Funding

The Tree Account is a separate interest-bearing account. All fines collected for tree and vegetation violations are deposited into the Tree Account. All donations and mitigation fees collected related to the preservation of trees or the enhancement of wooded buffer areas are deposited into this account.

Planting Trees

Tree Account funds are used to plant trees and may be used only on City-owned property, or on property upon which the City has been granted an easement for the purpose of establishing or maintaining trees or other vegetation. The City Council is responsible for appropriating these funds.