Street trees are a defining part of Portland’s urban forest. They grow in the public right-of-way (typically the planting strip between the curb and the sidewalk) and provide shade, stormwater benefits, and neighborhood character. Because they are public assets, the City regulates most work on them—and the adjacent property owner is generally responsible for their care and maintenance.

Here is a clear overview of the key rules and permit requirements.

What Counts as a Street Tree?

A street tree is any tree growing in the City right-of-way. That is usually the area between the street and the sidewalk, or beyond the sidewalk in some configurations. Trees entirely on private property follow different rules. When in doubt, check PortlandMaps or contact Urban Forestry.

Care and maintenance of street trees next to your property is the responsibility of the closest bordering property owner. Basic clearance requirements and maintenance guidance are covered on the City’s tree pages at portland.gov/trees.

Pruning Street Trees

A permit is required to prune street trees, with a narrow exception: no permit is needed for branches less than 1/2 inch in diameter at the point of attachment.

Limited pruning may qualify for a self-issued online permit when all of these apply:

  • Branches are less than 6 inches in diameter at the attachment to the stem
  • The work is young-tree pruning, crown cleaning, or crown raising for clearance (about 7.5 feet above the sidewalk, 11 feet above residential streets, and 14 feet over arterial streets)
  • The tree is not a Heritage Tree

Larger branches, crown reduction, work near utilities or buildings, or any work on a Heritage Tree generally requires an application and inspection by Urban Forestry. Official details are on the City’s street tree pruning permit page.

All pruning must meet City standards. Improper work can be treated as a code violation. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) promotes industry Best Management Practices that align with proper structural pruning and long-term tree health.

Removing Street Trees

A permit is required to remove any street tree, except very small sucker shoots or self-sown trees under 1/2 inch in diameter.

Removal is more readily approved when a tree is dead, dying, or dangerous, and the applicant agrees to replant. Healthy trees face stricter review, and replanting requirements often apply—tree-for-tree or up to inch-for-inch, depending on size and quantity. See the City’s tree removal and replanting guidance.

Planting Street Trees

A permit is required to plant a tree in the right-of-way. The City maintains Approved Street Tree Planting Lists based on planting-strip width and the presence of overhead power lines. An inspector typically reviews the site and provides the appropriate species list. Planting is recommended between October 1 and April 30 for better establishment. Lists and planting guidance are at portland.gov/trees and the approved street tree lists.

Fees and How to Apply

As of July 2025, most Urban Forestry tree permit fees have been eliminated or significantly reduced through Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund support. Permits are still required—the process is simply more accessible. Applications are handled through Development Hub PDX or by contacting Urban Forestry. A summary of recent code and fee changes is on the City’s 2026 Tree Code Update page.

Contact Urban Forestry

For a tree emergency on a public street, sidewalk, or City property, call 503-823-TREE and press 1. Dispatch is available 24/7.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Adjacent property owners are responsible for routine maintenance of street trees, including permitted pruning for clearance and removing hazards once a permit is in place. The City responds to true emergencies in the right-of-way. Private property trees are a separate category and follow different permit rules.

Working with Professionals

Street tree work involves permits, public safety, and proper technique. Many homeowners hire ISA Certified Arborists who understand both industry standards and local requirements. That helps ensure the work is done correctly and the documentation is in order.

At Harrity Tree Specialists, Joe and Becky Harrity have owned and operated this family business for over 30 years. Our ISA Certified Arborists regularly assist Portland homeowners with permitted street tree pruning, assessments, and related care. Learn more on our Residential Tree Care page or the About Us page.

Helpful Videos

These resources add useful context on City practices and professional standards:

Need Help with a Street Tree in Portland?

Understanding the rules protects both the tree and you from unnecessary complications.

Call or text Harrity Tree Specialists at (503) 331-0452 or visit harritytrees.com.

We’ll assess the situation, explain your options, and help you move forward in line with City requirements.