FAQs

Is it a street, park, or natural area tree?

• Contact Urban Forestry using the Renton Responds app.

Is it a tree on privately-owned property?

• Contact the Community and Economic Development Department
• or contact Urban Forestry using Renton Responds.
• For further information about private tree removals please visit the Private Property Regulations

Does it involve sidewalks, streets, transportation, and/or utility?

• Submit the request using the Renton Responds app.

All trees on public property are mapped on the Tree Inventory Map. Residents can use this database to check property lines and city tree locations.

The city right-of-way is typically the strip of land between private property and the road. This may include grass 'curb strips' or other landscaped areas between the curb and the sidewalk. 

The City of Renton is responsible for the planting and maintenance of trees (including watering) in the right-of-way [RMC 4-6-050].

The property owner next to the right-of-way is responsible for taking care and any other landscaping in that area including leaf collection [RMC 4-6-060].

No action needs to be done on your part. The Urban Forestry Program has carefully identified sites throughout the city where trees will be planted. These locations can be found on the Tree Inventory Map outlined with red circles when the "Tree Sites Vacant" option is selected.

Renton Municipal Code (9-13-7) allows for the city arborist to propose and plant trees in these public spaces.

The city cannot assist with trees on private property. Please find a contractor for help with clearing tree debris.

A Routine Vegetation Management Permit is required for:

• The removal of landmark trees. A landmark tree is defined as a tree with a diameter at chest height (DBH) of twenty-four inches (24") or greater, except for Big Leaf Maples, Black Cottonwoods, and Red Alder trees, which qualify as landmark trees with a DBH of thirty inches (30") or greater. 
• The removal of more than two (2) significant trees within a calendar year. A significant tree is defined as a tree with a DBH of at least six inches (6"), except alder or cottonwood trees, which qualify as significant trees with a DBH of eight inches (8") or greater
• Removing/Trimming trees, mowing/cutting of ground cover, or any vegetation management on a vacant property, especially if this is in advance of any development where building permits have yet to be obtained. 

See Renton Municipal Code Section 4-4-130 for more information.

Except for tree removal or vegetation management within shorelines of the state, critical areas, or critical area buffers, a Routine Vegetation Management Permit is not required for the following activities:

• Removal of a maximum of three (3) high-risk trees within a one (1)-year period, provided no landmark trees are proposed for removal.
• Removal of up to two (2) significant trees within a one-year period, but no more than five (5) significant trees within a five-year period, provided the removal is conducted in accordance with the following requirements: 
  • There is no active land development permit or application for the subject site;
  • The tree proposed for removal is not a protected tree or a landmark tree;
  • The tree proposed for removal is not located within 10 feet (10') of a surface parking lot with ten (10) or more parking spaces;
  • The tree proposed for removal is not one of the only two (2) significant trees remaining on the lot, unless identified as a high-risk tree; and
  • In conducting minor tree removal activities, rights-of-ways shall remain unobstructed unless a right-of-way use permit is obtained.
• Land clearing in conformance with the above restrictions is permitted for purposes of landscaping (i.e. installation of lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground cover).

Urban Forestry cannot visit trees on private property. However, we may be able to assist with answering questions about your tree(s).