Cutting a tree on someone else's land

Treble damages

Cutting down, girdling or otherwise injuring a tree on someone else's land without lawful authority brings treble damages: the judgment is three times the damages. (RCW 64.12.030, read Oct 19, 2026)

Damages drop to single when the trespass was casual or involuntary, or when the person had probable cause to believe the land was theirs or belonged to the person who directed the work. (RCW 64.12.040, read Oct 19, 2026)

A separate statute covers wrongful waste or injury to land: treble damages plus restoration, investigation and attorney costs, when someone acts intentionally and unreasonably while knowing, or having reason to know, they lack authorization. It does not apply where the tree statute does. (RCW 4.24.630, read Oct 19, 2026)

Trees near power lines

Electric utilities are immune from those damages when they cut or remove vegetation that has touched or damaged their lines, or that poses an imminent hazard after the utility gives notice and makes a reasonable effort to get the owner's or resident's agreement. No notice or agreement is necessary if the electric utility's action is necessary to protect life, property, or restore electric service. (RCW 64.12.035, read Oct 19, 2026)

Line-clearance trimming has its own state rules. The crew finds the line voltage before anyone climbs. Within 10 feet of lines over 600 volts, a second line-clearance trimmer stays in voice range. Branches inside the approach distances come off only with insulating equipment, and storm work needs training in its special hazards. (WAC 296-45-455, read Oct 19, 2026)

What I check before the crew cuts

1. Where the property line is, and whose land the tree stands on.
2. Whether I have the owner's OK in writing for a tree that is not mine.
3. Whether power lines run through or near the tree, and who handles that part.

Next

For permits, read tree removal permit rules. For the interview, use questions to ask a tree service.