Storm of comments followed a tree removal post in Pierce Co. What are the rules?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A Gig Harbor resident posted on social media that she wanted to see a tree cut down.
- Over 200 people commented on the post, with the majority in favor of the tree.
- The city says residents should contact planning or public works staff with tree concerns.
On Nov. 22, a resident posted a reflection on a Gig Harbor community Facebook group: a tree has blocked her view of the harbor for years. She wondered if the city could help her cut it down because the tree isn’t located on the property line.
The post set off a storm of comments over about two weeks, reaching over 200 replies as of Friday.
Most defended the tree’s right to stay. The resident who posted about the tree on Facebook declined to comment when reached by The News Tribune, saying she had since been blocked from the Facebook group and didn’t want to continue sparking debate.
The News Tribune reached out to the city of Gig Harbor to learn the rules for tree-cutting in the city. Spokesperson Lori Maricle relayed information from city staff in an email Dec. 3.
“Trees in the right-of-way and on public property are managed on a risk management basis using a city-conducted assessment,” Gig Harbor Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm wrote in a statement. “Also, the city won’t remove or shape any trees to improve views.”
Residents can select “vegetation” on the city’s online Resident Reporter tool to share tree-related concerns, Maricle wrote. They can also contact the public works operations office at (253) 851-8406 or email operations@gigharborwa.gov.
For trees on private property, residents should reach out to the city’s planning department to learn specific limitations and requirements, Gig Harbor Community Development Director Eric Baker wrote in a statement. Maricle added that the planning department is available by phone at (253) 851-6170 or email at planningintake@gigharborwa.gov.
“Our regulations are based on the location and condition of the tree in question,” he wrote. “We cannot speak to the legalities of cutting trees on other private properties but always recommend reaching out to the tree’s owner to discuss.”
Tree removal regulations vary across jurisdictions in Washington state, as indicated by information posted on various city and county websites. Many cities and counties require specific tree removal permits for private property owners and have criteria for assessing trees based on factors like their size or whether the tree is located in a protected area.
City code in Gig Harbor allows for the removal of trees that are “dead, substantially diseased or damaged, or hazard” if a qualified arborist submits a written statement saying that the tree must be removed to protect “life, limb, or property.”
A tree removal permit is required for those who intend to remove trees “on less than 25% of lot area for general property and utility maintenance,” according to the city’s website. A complete application for this type of permit includes a completed Master Planning Permit Application, an arborist report from a qualified arborist and a site plan showing where the trees are located, according to a checklist from the city.
A “qualified arborist” is defined as “an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist with a current Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, or similar equivalent certification and qualification,” the checklist says. Residents can search for and confirm the credentials of arborists at www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist.
The city has more information about tree removal, pruning and required permits on its website.
