Tacoma’s Heritage Tree program was established by City Council in December 2023 to provide protection, recognition, foster appreciation, and inspire awareness for the contribution that Tacoma's mature trees provide to the community. Heritage tree designation helps the City achieve a greater overall tree canopy to preserve the scenic beauty and natural environment of Tacoma, prevent erosion and sedimentation in waterways, encourage quality development, provide shade and wildlife habitat, counteract pollutants in the air, reduce heat island effects, and decrease wind velocities and noise. Designation of heritage trees connects the past to the present by preserving historic trees for the enjoyment of future generations. Heritage trees may live on public or private property within the city.
View a guided tour of Tacoma's currently recognized Heritage Trees:
Nominations
Please view Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 9.20.400 Heritage Trees for qualification and nomination criteria.
To be considered for heritage designation, all nominated trees must be in healthy condition and have the express permission of the property owner, or adjacent property owner in the case of public right-of-way trees.
To nominate a heritage tree, please fill out the online survey below: