Seattle Commercial Tree Removal: What Developers Should Know

Dealing with Seattle’s Strict Regulations Regarding Trees

Seattle has among the strongest tree protection ordinances in the United States. Therefore, developers need to understand and follow the City of Seattle’s regulations on removing and/or damaging trees, since failing to do so can lead to substantial fines, expensive delays, and potentially even cause a developer to halt their project. Before submitting any demolition or removal permits for any type of development or land-use change, developers must conduct thorough assessments of tree assets on the subject property.

Arborist Reports – Necessary for Major Development Projects

In addition to a basic tree inventory and report, there are certain types of developments where a certified commercial arborist must prepare a report that provides a detailed listing of the location, species, and condition of each tree on the site; and notes any trees that have been designated as “Exceptional” or “Significant” under the City of Seattle’s tree ordinance. Designated trees typically require either preservation or a specific plan of mitigation, which must be approved by the City of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection (“DCI”).

Costs for Obtaining Permits and Mitigating Damaged Trees

A reputable commercial tree removal company will handle all of the necessary permitting for the removal of protected trees and ensure that the removal meets the terms of the project development permit. In cases where the removal of protected trees is unavoidable and permitted, developers will be responsible for paying for the mitigation of damaged trees, which may include replanting or a significant payment to the City of Seattle’s tree fund. Developers need to estimate the cost of obtaining necessary permits and mitigating damaged trees as soon as possible to avoid last-minute financial surprises related to their project.

Managing Risk and Ensuring Adequate Insurance Coverage

Because of the size and complexity of commercial tree removal projects, which frequently involve numerous large, mature trees located close to public rights-of-way and adjacent to other buildings, the risks involved are high. Therefore, developers must choose a qualified and experienced commercial arborist who has adequate insurance coverage and safety policies in place to mitigate the risks associated with commercial tree removal.

Minimum Required Insurance Coverage for Commercial Arborists

A professional commercial arborist must carry significantly higher limits of general liability insurance than a residential service. Such coverage must include protection against catastrophic failures and damage to adjacent properties, utilities, and newly constructed infrastructure. In addition, workers’ mandatory compensation insurance protects the developer from liability if a worker suffers a severe injury while performing the hazardous tasks of commercial tree removal.

On-site Safety Plans and Traffic Management

The area where the removal of commercial trees takes place must be treated as an active construction zone. As such, the developer should expect a high degree of professionalism and a safe working environment. To achieve this, a reliable commercial arborist will develop a site-specific safety plan that includes:

• Professional traffic management.
• Public access controls.
• Daily safety briefings (also known as tailgate meetings).

This level of professionalism will help minimize accidents and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations applicable to large commercial sites.

Logistics and Site Readiness for Commercial Projects

Efficiency and complete site-readiness are essential components of a successful commercial project. Unlike residential tree removal services that may leave behind wood chips, commercial site clearing requires the complete and timely removal of all organic materials to allow for immediate foundation work.

Equipment Needed for Effective Commercial Clearing

Commercial site clearing is highly dependent upon the effective deployment and operation of heavy equipment, such as cranes, grapple-loaders, and industrial tub-grinders. A crane is essential for safely lifting and swinging massive tree sections away from the footprint of the planned structure, thereby allowing for the fastest and most controlled removal of trees possible. Additionally, a commercial service must be able to deploy and operate this heavy equipment effectively within the logistical constraints of the commercial site.

Root System Removal for Stable Foundations

One of the greatest distinctions between commercial and residential tree removal is the absolute requirement for complete root system removal. Stump grinding is not sufficient. The eventual decay of large root masses in the sub-grade will create subsurface voids, leading to settlement and potential cracking of foundations. Commercial removal, therefore, requires the excavation of the entire root crown and major lateral roots (typically accomplished through stump removal and mechanical excavation) to create a stable, engineered base for structures and utility trenches.

Importance of Developing a Strong Relationship with Your Service Partner

Your selection of a qualified and experienced service provider will impact both the length of time your project will take to complete and how well you stay on budget. A professional service will act as a consultant and help prevent common mistakes that may occur with Seattle’s tree laws and environmental challenges.

At Seattle Tree Trim and Removal, we offer full-service commercial tree removal services throughout Seattle and specialize in managing the complex logistics and regulatory compliance required by development projects. Our ISA Certified Arborists will assist you with the preparation of necessary reports, obtain the necessary permits, and utilize our specialized heavy equipment to remove your trees safely, quickly, and according to local regulations. We would like to extend an invitation to Seattle property developers to contact us today to discuss proactive site assessment and project planning.