When it comes to selling property in Seattle, Tree Removal can have a bigger impact on value than most homeowners realize. Beyond curb appeal and greenery, trees can determine whether your lot qualifies for additional housing or redevelopment.
In this case study, we look at how understanding Seattle’s Tree Removal process helped one homeowner add over $300,000 to their sale price and how you can use the same approach to unlock your property’s full potential.
Seattle’s Tree Regulations are designed to balance growth with environmental responsibility. For homeowners, these rules can directly affect what is possible on your lot.
If your property is large enough for an ADU, DADU, or multi-unit housing, professional Tree Removal may be the key to maximizing buildability. Large trees often sit in setback areas or block new foundations. Getting them approved for removal (and replaced in compliance with City standards) can help future developers or buyers see the lot’s true potential.
By securing Tree Removal permits in advance, homeowners can often sell for significantly more because the property becomes “ready to build.”
In 2022, Georgia Buys worked with a homeowner in Northwest Seattle who owned a single-family house on a deep lot with three large trees along the back fence line. The homeowner wanted to sell but was unsure if Tree Removal would be possible or worthwhile.
We brought in a certified arborist familiar with Director’s Rule 7-2023: Designation of Tier 2 Trees to determine whether the trees could be legally removed. Because they were not classified as “exceptional” and were outside an environmentally critical area, the City confirmed that removal approval was likely.
The homeowner applied through Seattle’s Tree Removal and Vegetation Restoration Application and moved forward with clearing the back of the lot. The results were significant:
With the trees cleared, the property was approved for an additional townhome unit. What began as a three-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot home eventually became a ten-bedroom, 5,800-square-foot project.
This single step of getting Tree Removal approval before the sale made the difference between a standard offer and a top-dollar outcome.
At Georgia Buys, we believe responsible Tree Removal is about balance. We love the Pacific Northwest’s tree canopy and understand that sustainable development means preserving as much greenery as possible while creating space for much-needed housing.
When Tree Removal is part of a project, we work closely with certified arborists and the City of Seattle to ensure proper replanting and compliance with the Urban Forestry Plan. This ensures that new housing and tree restoration can coexist within Seattle’s environmental goals.
For many Seattle homeowners, Tree Removal is more than a maintenance decision. It is a strategic investment. By understanding the permitting process and working with experts before you sell, you can:
Whether your lot has one large tree or several that impact development, getting clarity early can dramatically change your selling outcome.
Thinking about selling your property? Contact Georgia Buys to discuss your lot’s development potential and learn how professional Tree Removal could help you sell for more.
