One of the first questions homeowners ask us is whether they are even allowed to remove a tree. It is a fair question, and the honest answer is: it depends. Tree regulations in our area vary by jurisdiction, lot, tree size, and location, so there is no single rule that covers everyone. Here is a plain-English overview to point you in the right direction.
This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with your specific city or county before removing a tree.
It depends on who has jurisdiction
The first thing that matters is which government regulates your property. A home inside Vancouver city limits follows City of Vancouver code. A property in Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, or Ridgefield follows that city's rules. And unincorporated areas like Hazel Dell, Felida, Salmon Creek, Brush Prairie, and Hockinson fall under Clark County. Each has its own approach, so step one is simply knowing who you answer to.
When you often do NOT need a permit
In many jurisdictions, a homeowner has reasonable latitude to manage trees on a standard, already-developed residential lot, particularly when:
- The tree is clearly dead, dying, or an imminent hazard.
- It is a routine yard tree on a typical single-family lot, not in a protected area.
- You are pruning rather than removing.
Hazard and emergency situations are frequently treated differently, which matters when a storm has left you with a tree that cannot wait.
When you likely DO need a permit or review
Extra rules commonly apply when:
- The tree is in or near a critical area, wetlands, streams, steep slopes, or shoreline buffers.
- The property is part of new development, a short plat, or has a tree-retention requirement on file.
- The tree is a designated heritage or significant tree, or you are removing several trees at once.
- An HOA has its own tree rules layered on top of the city or county code.
Clark County and its cities take critical areas seriously, so anything near water, slopes, or wetlands deserves a careful check.
How an arborist report helps
This is where a certified arborist earns their keep. When a jurisdiction needs justification for a removal, especially in a sensitive area or for a protected tree, they usually want a written assessment from a qualified arborist. The report documents the tree's species, condition, and risk, and supports your permit application. We provide exactly this kind of certified arborist report across Clark County.
The simple path forward
You do not have to untangle the code alone. Here is the easy version:
- Call your city or county permit office, or check their website, and ask about residential tree removal for your specific situation.
- If the tree is near water, a slope, or you are not sure, get an arborist assessment before you do anything.
- Keep documentation, especially for hazard removals, in case anyone asks later.
Priority Tree Service works across Clark County every day, and our ISA Certified Arborist can tell you what is likely required for your property and provide the report your jurisdiction asks for. If you are wondering whether you can remove a tree, give us a call and we will help you figure it out.
