Tree work rules in Washington

Washington has no arborist license. Contractor registration with the Department of Labor and Industries has an RF Tree Removal Service specialty code.¹

Washington law bars local rules on forest practices where the state keeps jurisdiction, and large counties and their cities regulate forest practices inside urban growth areas instead. Ordinary yard trees aren't forest practices.²

If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.

A Washington workplace safety rule keeps work, tools and equipment 10 feet from lines up to 50,000 volts, and farther above that. The employer has to determine the voltage and keep the clearance.³

Washington's one-call law doesn't name trees or stumps. It covers any earth displacement by any means, and its exemptions don't mention trees or stumps.^4-5

Spraying or treating trees for hire needs a Washington State Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator license plus a Commercial Company license. The categories are Insect and Disease Control and Weed Control, and both cover ornamental sites.^6-7