Flooding & Erosion - Trees and Winter Weather

Do you have trees on your property that have fallen due to winter weather?  Here are a few things to remember:

  • Be Safe!  Be aware of your surroundings and check for additional trees that are at risk of falling before approaching the area.
  • If trees/branches are leaning on a power line - call 911
  • If the trees are in the roadway call Public Works at 360.753.8333. 
  • Concerned about a tree in City right-of-way?  Contact Stacey Ray, Urban Forester at 360.753.8046.

Trees on Private Property: 

As our region continues to experience unpredictable and extreme weather this winter, it is important to know in advance what steps should be taken to ensure Olympia's urban forest remains healthy and safe. 

After an extreme weather event, including a wind storm, heavy snow, or flooding, it is a good idea to survey trees around your home or business.  In assessing damages and the need for tree care, consider the following: 

  • No City permit is necessary to remove any tree on private property that is an imminent danger to persons or property.  
  • Improper pruning done to trees by inexperienced homeowners or unqualified tree "experts" can cause even greater damage than extreme weather.  After a storm event, take care in determining if a tree needs to be removed or pruned.  For more information about determining if a tree is damaged, see "Can These Trees be Saved?". 
  • Topping, the practice of removing large branches and tops of trees, actually creates future hazards rather than eliminating them. A previously topped tree is much more likely to break or uproot in a storm than a tree that has a normal branch structure.  For more information on proper post-storm pruning, see "Tree First Aid After a Storm".
  • Use caution when selecting a tree service company.  Don't over-react, and if possible, wait for an available qualified arborist to prune or remove trees – even if that means waiting longer for service.  Hire a company that is bonded, insured, and has a current City of Olympia business license. When in doubt ask for references, and take your time to select a reputable company.
  • For general information regarding tree removal on private residential property, see a "Homeowner's Guide to Olympia's Tree Protection Ordinance".

How to be pro-active throughout the rest of the year in protecting your trees and property:

  • Have a qualified arborist inspect your trees annually and provide you with a written report; 
  • Prune trees correctly when they are young, and regularly thereafter; 
  • Don't allow trees to be topped!

Are you concerned about a street tree or a tree in city right-of-way?  Contact Stacey Ray, Urban Forester, to report any street trees or trees in the city right-of-way that may be hazardous: 360.753.8046.   

For more information on proper tree care, visit www.treesaregood.org.

Contacting Public Works

  • Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507-1967 (directions)
  • Hours: M - F from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for City-recognized holidays)
  • 360.753.8588, TTY 360.753.8005
  • publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us