Trees and Landscaping

*TREE REMOVAL NOT* ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY Click here to view a tree removal guide to help determine which application form below applies. - Tree Removal Notification Tree removal which does not involve the removal of more than two or the last two trees on the property and/or restrictions do not apply to the property (e.g. critical areas, subdivision restrictions, etc.) There are no fees associated with this review. - Tree Removal Permit Application** Tree removal requests which do not meet the requirements for the 2-tree removal notification form and usually requires review of a certified arborist report. A fee is required for this review. - Public Tree Removal and Pruning Permit Application Tree removal and/or pruning for trees located within the City right-of-way. Please contact the Public Works Department at (425) 587-3800 with questions. A fee is required for this review.	Urban Forest Management Plan View the current draft Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan. Tree Canopy Report The City of Kirkland recently completed its urban tree canopy assessment. Kirkland Plant List Native Trees Native Shrubs Native Groundcover Evergreen Trees Deciduous Trees Shrub and Groundcover Kirkland Street Tree List Minimum 4' Planting Strip Minimum 6' Planting Strip Minimum 8' Planting Strip Miscellaneous Accelerated Short Plat and Subdivision Review Information Tree Fencing Detail
TREE REMOVAL ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY A tree retention plan is required with new development. The requirements vary depending on the type of development activity and use on the subject property. Below are handouts summarizing the tree retention plan requirements. - Tree Retention Plan - Single Family (Minor) Single-family, or two attached, detached, or stacked dwelling units, and related demolition and land surface modification applications. New development or redevelopment in which the total square footage of the proposed improvements is less than 50% of the total square footage of existing improvements on the subject property. - Tree Retention Plan - Single Family (Major) Single-family, or two attached, detached, or stacked dwelling units, and related demolition and land surface modification applications. New development or redevelopment in which the total square footage of the proposed improvements is greater than 50% of the total square footage of existing improvements on the subject property. - Tree Retention Plan - Multifamily, Commercial, and Non-Residential uses Tree retention requirements for multifamily, commercial, and any other use other than residential, and related demolition and land surface modification applications. - Tree Retention Plan - Subdivisions and Cottage Developments Tree retention plan requirements for short plat (up to 9 lots), subdivisions (10 or more lots), cottages, carriage units, two/three-unit homes, and related demolition and land surface modifications.

Arborist Reports Arborist reports, when required for a tree removal request, must be prepared by a qualified professional. Qualified professionals are individuals with relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry, having *two or more* of the following credentials: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Tree Risk Assessor Certification (TRACE) as established by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of ISA (or equivalent) American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) registered Consulting Arborist Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certified Forester for Forest Management Plans Below are online resources help determine if an arborist is a qualified professional: Verify an ISA certified arborist TRACE certified arborist list ASCA local listing SAF Washington State listing	Emergency Tree Removal on Private Property Any tree on private property that poses an imminent threat to life or property may be removed without first obtaining a permit. The party removing the tree must contact the City within seven days of removal to provide evidence of threat, such as a certified arborist’s report, photographs and/or or other substantiating evidence, for approval of exemption from the provisions of the Tree Management code. If the Planning Official determines that the emergency tree removal was not warranted, he or she may require that the party obtain a permit and/or require that replacement trees and vegetation be replanted as mitigation.