HOMEOWNER (PRIVATE PROPERTY) TREE PRUNING
Generally, you do not need a permit to prune or trim the trees on your property unless there are restrictions such as a recorded grove, protection easement, environmentally critical/shoreline areas or in the Holmes Point Overlay zone. Topping is prohibited in Kirkland because it results in weak branches and can eventually kill the tree. Excessive pruning can have the same effect, so in Kirkland, pruning over half of a tree's live canopy is considered the same as tree removal and may be subject to code enforcement.
STREET TREE PRUNING
The care and maintenance of trees in the right of way is a shared responsibility between private property owners and the City's maintenance crews. The City wants to ensure the safety and proper pruning of public trees to ensure a sustainable urban forest. For that reason, a property owner who wishes to prune a right of way tree adjacent to their property needs to submit a Public Tree Pruning Permit Application through MyBuildingPermit.com (MBP). There is no fee associated with a Public Tree Pruning Permit.
To report dying, diseased and/or dangerous trees in the public right of way, call Public Works at 425-587-3900.
TREES IN PARKS
To report dying, diseased and/or dangerous trees in City parks, call Parks & Community Services at 425-587-3341.