Tree Removal in Auburn

What You Need To Know About Tree Removal In Auburn

• If your property is part of a prior development, landscape or mitigation plan (for example a subdivision common area, or a lot where tree retention was required) — removing or altering trees likely requires city approval. Auburn, WA+1
• If the tree is located in a “critical area” (e.g. wetlands, steep slopes, streams, floodplains) or within a designated buffer around these sensitive zones — any removal or vegetation alteration needs written request and approval from the city, often with a revised mitigation/planting plan. Auburn, WA
• If you propose to remove more than 6 trees per lot within a 12‑month period (or, for properties over an acre — more than 6 trees per acre in a 12‑month period), the standard exemption does not apply and a permit/approval is required. auburn.municipal.codes+1
• If the trees are in the public right‑of‑way / street, or otherwise on property owned by the city — removal or major pruning requires a “Street Tree Removal Permit,” after risk assessment by the city’s urban‑forestry staff. City of Auburn+2City of Auburn+2

When You May Not Need a Permit

• On private residential property (not in a critical area, not part of a past mitigation/landscape condition, not street/right-of-way), you may remove up to 6 trees per year (per lot or per acre scale) without filing for a permit. auburn.municipal.codes+1
• Removal of dead or diseased trees (or trees that pose a hazard to structures), may be exempt under the code’s “emergency/tree hazard” provisions — though safe removal by a licensed, bonded contractor is required. auburn.municipal.codes+1
• Routine pruning that does not remove more than half of a tree’s live crown, when done on private property and not impacting critical area or public right-of-way, does not require a permit. auburn.municipal.codes+1

What Canopy Solutions, LLC Can Do For You
We can:

• Review your parcel’s zoning, history, and whether it lies in a critical area or has prior development/mitigation requirements — to help determine if permit or city approval is needed.
• Prepare and submit permit applications on your behalf when required — including tree‑removal requests, mitigation/re‑planting plans, or right-of-way/Street‑Tree permits.
• Provide certified‑arborist assessments (for hazard, health, or species documentation), site plans, and safe removal plans compliant with city code.
• Help you stay within the 6‑trees/year (or per‑acre) exemption when possible — or structure removal in phases to avoid triggering permit requirements.