Mount Vernon splits into two very different kinds of tree work: flat valley lots near the Skagit River, and wooded hillside properties up on Little Mountain and out toward Big Lake. Call (360) 503-0571 for a free estimate.
Trees we see in Mount Vernon
The hillsides carry second-growth Douglas-fir, western red cedar, western hemlock and bigleaf maple, often close to houses that were built into the trees. Down on the valley floor it is more cottonwood, alder, birch and ornamental maples and ornamental cherries in yards.
Terrain and access
Hillside lots bring the hard parts: trees above or below the house, limited places to drop a trunk, and slopes where rolling logs and equipment ruts both have to be controlled. When neighboring trees have been cleared, the trees left standing at the new edge suddenly take wind they never grew up with.
Wind, snow and storms
Southerly windstorms funnel up the valley, and the exposed ridgelines take the brunt. Heavy wet snow every few winters also loads up fir and cedar limbs on the hill.
Tree services in Mount Vernon
- Tree Removal: hazard, dead, leaning and unwanted trees taken down safely, whole or in sections.
- Emergency Storm & Tree Service: trees down on houses, cars, driveways and roads after wind, snow and ice.
- Land Clearing: lots, acreage, pasture and building sites cleared of trees, brush and blackberry.
- Stump Grinding & Brush Removal: stumps ground or pulled, brush piles and debris cleaned up and hauled.
Permits and regulated trees
Parts of Little Mountain and other slopes are mapped as geologically hazardous (steep slope) areas, and trees there can be regulated by the City of Mount Vernon’s critical areas rules. Big Lake is a regulated shoreline under the county’s Shoreline Master Program, so lakeside tree work outside city limits goes through Skagit County Planning & Development Services.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take down a big fir that is uphill from my house?
Usually, yes. Trees above a structure are some of the most careful work we do. The plan depends on lean, limb weight, what is below it and where pieces can safely land. We’ll walk it with you and explain how it would come down before quoting.
Is a permit needed for tree removal on Little Mountain?
It can be. Steep slopes are a common critical-area designation, and removing trees on them may need city review. We’ll tell you if the tree looks like it is in a regulated area so you can confirm with the City of Mount Vernon first.
Do you clear lots around Big Lake?
Yes, including lakeside parcels. Work near the shoreline usually needs more care with buffers and debris, and sometimes county review, so let us know up front if the property touches the lake.
Areas we cover around Mount Vernon
We cover downtown, College Way, Little Mountain, the Big Lake side and the surrounding Skagit County acreage.
Nearby: Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, La Conner, Stanwood.
We also do excavation. Baxter’s also handles site prep, gravel driveways, grading, drainage and demolition. See baxterexcavation.com for our excavation services.
Get a free tree estimate
Call (360) 503-0571 or email BaxtersTreeServices@gmail.com. Tell us where the tree is, what’s near it and what you want done, and we’ll set up a time to look at it.