Due to growing leaves and budding flowers, our recent April snow storm damaged a lot of trees across the region. As we all clean up from the storm, you may be wondering about whose responsibility it is to clean up damaged trees or fallen branches and whether you can remove a damaged tree.
– Trees on private property and the strip between the sidewalk and the curb are the abutting homeowner/tenant responsibility. This includes collecting and disposing of the trees/wood from the sidewalk and street. To help our residents get rid of these extra debris, the City is offering a free storm debris drop off event on Saturday, April 16 from 8am to 3pm at the Public Works Operations Center at 487 S 56th Pl. In addition, Spring Clean Up on Saturday, April 23 will also be accepting yard debris for free. Learn the details on Spring Clean Up: https://ridgefieldwa.us/event/annual-spring-clean-up/
– Removing a Damaged Tree: A tree removal permit is required to remove a tree planted in the right-of-way between the sidewalk and the street. The application requirements are on our website here: https://ridgefieldwa.us/wp-content/uploads/tree_permit.pdf and you can apply for a permit online here: https://ci-ridgefield-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home. A tree removal permit is NOT required to remove a tree on your private property – however Oregon White Oaks are a protected species and environmental permitting may be required. Please contact Community Development, 360-887-3908 first.
– Replacing a Damaged Tree: If you are removing and replacing a tree in the right-of-way between the sidewalk and the street it must be replaced with one on the Ridgefield Approved Tree List: https://ridgefieldwa.us/wp-content/uploads/Ridgefield-Approved-Tree-List-2015.pdf Some HOAs may only allow certain trees for uniformity purposes, you may want to check with your HOA before purchasing.
