Federal Way Tree Service, Since 2001
There’s a particular kind of tree problem that shows up once you’re within a mile or two of the bluff — wind-flagged cedars leaning permanently east, firs that grew tall and thin packed together in second-growth stands, root systems that never had to fight for water and so never went deep. We’ve been dealing with exactly that combination since 2001, on properties from the Dash Point waterfront down through Twin Lakes and out toward Panther Lake.
It’s not the same job as trimming a street tree in a subdivision. A Douglas fir on a bluff lot in Federal Way has spent its whole life leaning into onshore wind, and when a real Puget Sound storm comes through with saturated soil underneath, that’s when windthrow happens — trees going over roots and all, not just losing limbs. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has documented this pattern specifically for shallow-rooted species like cedar and fir in wet Pacific Northwest winters. It’s why we get a lot of our calls in November and December, and why we don’t make people with an obviously leaning tree wait two weeks for an estimate.
Services that we offer
From routine trimming to full removal, we handle every stage of tree care for Federal Way properties. This includes the storm cleanup and emergency work that comes with living among mature Douglas fir and cedar in the Pacific Northwest. Browse our services below, or call us directly if you’re not sure which one fits your situation.
Tree Removal
We remove hazardous, dead, or unwanted trees from start to finish. Before any cutting begins, we look closely at size, decay, lean, and what’s around the tree, so we can pick the method that keeps your property and fences safest, whether that’s controlled felling, precision climbing, or crane removal.
Learn more about our Tree Removal services.
Tree Trimming
Canopy thinning, limb clearance from rooflines and power lines, and shape correction to keep trees healthy and your property looking sharp year-round.
Learn more about our Tree Trimming services.
Tree Pruning
Structural and health-focused pruning. Deadwood removal, disease management, and corrective cuts done under arborist judgment, including fruit tree pruning for backyard orchards.
Learn more about our Tree Pruning services.
Stump Grinding & Removal
Grinding stumps below grade so they’re gone for good. No eyesore, no tripping hazard, no obstacle that gets in the way of landscaping.
Learn more about our Stump Grinding & Revoval services.
Emergency Tree Services
Storm-damaged or suddenly hazardous trees don’t wait for business hours. We respond fast to downed limbs, split trunks, and trees leaning on structures after Federal Way’s windstorms.
Learn more about our Emergency Tree Services.
Why Federal Way Homeowners Call Us
Local Terrain Knowledge
We’ve worked lots throughout Federal Way’s mix of bluff-edge properties and lakefront acreage, including tight-access streets near Twin Lakes and sloped yards near Dash Point.
Storm Season Readiness
Federal Way sees its share of windthrow after winter storms, especially among shallow-rooted firs on exposed, cleared lots along the bluff. We prioritize those calls when weather hits.
Full-Service, One Crew
Removal, cleanup, and stump grinding can all happen in a single visit if you want it that way, so you’re not scheduling around separate contractors for each part of the job.
Federal Way's Tree Removal Rules — What Property Owners Should Know
Federal Way regulates tree removal more closely than some neighboring cities. Here’s the short version:
- Permits are required for removing “significant” trees under Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.120, unless the removal qualifies for an exemption.
- What counts as significant? In most zones, a significant tree is generally one at or above roughly 12 inches DBH (diameter at breast height). We confirm the exact threshold for your zone during the estimate.
- Common exemptions include at-risk/hazard trees confirmed by a qualified arborist and other categories set by code; we’ll walk you through what applies to your lot.
- Critical areas require more parcels touching steep slopes, wetlands, or stream buffers require a written arborist report before removal, regardless of exemptions that apply elsewhere on the lot.
- Right-of-way clearance city code requires at least 8 feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over roadways, with additional trimming required at intersections for sight distance.
- Replacement requirements apply to most permitted removals, generally scaled to the size and species of tree removed.
We’re familiar with this ordinance because we work in Federal Way regularly. When we come out for an estimate, we’ll tell you plainly what your situation needs so you’re not guessing or risking a violation.
Neighborhoods & Areas Near Federal Way We Serve
Federal Way · Dash Point · Redondo · Twin Lakes · Steel Lake · North Lake · Marine Hills · West Campus · Panther Lake · Des Moines · Milton · Edgewood
Our 4-Step Process
We assess the tree’s size, condition, lean, and surroundings, and flag any permit considerations specific to Federal Way.
Equipment and techniques chosen to protect your home, fences, landscaping, and neighboring properties.
Controlled felling, precision climbing and roping, or crane removal, matched to your lot and access.
Debris hauled, site cleared, and stump grinding available so there’s nothing left to deal with.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Estimate for Your Federal Way Property
Every property’s a little different, so we’d rather see it than guess over the phone. Tell us what you’re dealing with and we’ll schedule a visit, assess it properly, and give you a clear plan.
