Nestled in the verdant hills of Tacoma, Washington, the Hilltop neighborhood exudes a charm that belies its urban setting. Towering trees line the streets, casting an emerald canopy over the homes and businesses below. This sylvan tranquility, however, has been disrupted by the recent wave of tree removals. The reasons for tree removal vary. Some trees, weakened by age or disease, pose a safety hazard. Others obstruct power lines or interfere with construction projects. Whatever the cause, the removal of each tree leaves a void in the neighborhood’s verdant tapestry. Residents lament the loss of shade, privacy, and the aesthetic appeal that trees provide. To mitigate the impact of tree removal, the city offers a Tree Removal permit process. Residents seeking to remove trees must obtain a permit, which is granted after an inspection by a certified arborist. The arborist determines if the tree removal is necessary and recommends measures to minimize the impact on the neighborhood. In some cases, the city may require the planting of replacement trees to ensure the long-term health of the urban canopy.