Harrell Expands Tree Preservation Efforts To Strengthen Seattle’s Urban Forest

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has signed a new Executive Order to increase tree preservation on private property, reinforcing efforts to protect Seattle’s urban forest while promoting climate resilience, environmental equity, and sustainable development.

The order directs City departments to develop policies and regulatory tools that encourage conservation of exceptional trees and groves, particularly on private land. The directive is part of Harrell’s One Seattle initiative, which aims to balance the city’s growing housing needs with environmental preservation.

“As we work to build the housing that Seattle needs to grow and thrive, we must also protect the trees that cool our neighborhoods, clean our air and water, and contribute to our overall climate resilience,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “This Executive Order commits to an inclusive, collaborative One Seattle approach to encourage preservation of trees that provide immeasurable benefits to our neighborhoods while complementing existing efforts to plant the next generation of our urban forest and equitably distribute canopy. We know that many Seattle residents feel passionate about protecting our trees, and we are grateful for their advocacy to ensure we remain known as the Emerald City.”

Among its key actions, the Executive Order calls for a new conservation easement incentive program that would allow private property owners to preserve significant trees in perpetuity. The program is supported by a proposed $100,000 allocation in the mayor’s 2026 budget.

Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera of District 4 expressed support for the incentive plan and broader preservation efforts. “I support efforts to preserve our tree canopy as we continue to plan for Seattle’s growth,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera. “Mayor Harrell’s Conservation Easement Incentive Proposal would give us one more tool to do that. His proposal, combined with the tree protections included in the Comprehensive Plan like Amendment 102, put us in a better position to accomplish both tree preservation and increased density.”

The order also directs departments to revise permitting practices that may unintentionally discourage tree retention during construction. As part of the Permitting, Accountability, and Customer Trust (PACT) initiative, City officials will explore on-site retention incentives and reforms that align housing development with environmental goals.

Stormwater regulations will also be updated to include green infrastructure solutions such as bioretention cells. A citywide tree pest readiness and response plan will be developed to mitigate damage and build resilience. The City will also collaborate with federally recognized Tribes to preserve culturally and historically significant natural resources on private land.

Michelle Caulfield, interim director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment, said the order brings new momentum to citywide tree preservation efforts. “Trees are critical for healthy communities and climate resilience. Everyone has a role to play in keeping Seattle green and ensuring all residents have access to the many benefits of trees,” said Interim Director Michelle Caulfield. “This Executive Order strengthens efforts to expand tree canopy and supports climate and cultural resilience and new tools for private property owners to protect our largest trees.”

The Office of Sustainability and Environment may also take on additional responsibilities related to enforcement and preservation as part of the order’s implementation. The department currently oversees citywide urban forestry planning and manages the Canopy Coverage Assessment, which tracks data on canopy distribution and tree health.

This directive builds upon several actions taken by Harrell over the last three years. These include the launch of the One Seattle Tree Plan, which requires a 3-to-1 replacement ratio for trees removed from public property, and a $12.9 million federal grant to increase plantings in under-canopied neighborhoods. The Trees for Neighborhoods program

has expanded to assist residents with planting and tree care. A new tree nursery set to open later this month will grow 500 trees each year to support these initiatives.

Seattle has added 30,000 new trees since 2022 through public and private efforts. The city remains committed to achieving 30% canopy coverage by 2037 through partnerships, planning, and programs aimed at protecting and expanding its urban forest.