Portland tree removal permits, explained without the headache

Why Portland regulates trees on private property

Portland's tree canopy cools neighborhoods in August, soaks up winter rain before it hits the storm sewers and adds real value to homes. To protect it, the city adopted Title 11, the tree code that governs how trees are removed, pruned and replaced on both public and private land.

For homeowners, that mostly shows up as a permit requirement. The rules can feel confusing the first time, but on a typical residential lot, they come down to a handful of questions: how big the tree is, where it stands, what condition it is in and whether the property is part of a development project.

The size threshold that matters most

On most developed residential lots in Portland, a permit is required to remove a private tree that is 12 inches or more in diameter. Diameter is measured at breast height, or DBH, which is 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side of the trunk.

If you do not have a diameter tape, wrap a regular measuring tape around the trunk at that height and divide the circumference by 3.14. A trunk that measures about 38 inches around is right at the 12-inch threshold. Multi-stem trees are measured differently, which is one reason an arborist visit can save you a wasted application.

Dead, dying and dangerous trees

Trees that are dead, dying or an immediate danger still need city involvement in most cases, but the process is different. Rather than a notice period, the city may ask for photos or an arborist's written assessment confirming the condition.

In a true emergency, such as a tree that has already split and is resting on a house, work to make the site safe can happen right away. You then document the situation and follow up with the city. Our storm crews photograph every emergency job for exactly this reason.

• Take clear photos of the whole tree and the defect before work starts.
• Keep the arborist's written assessment with your records.
• Notify the city within the timeframe listed on your permit type.

Street trees are a separate category

The planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb is city right-of-way, and trees growing there are street trees. Pruning or removing them always needs a street tree permit, even for routine work. The city sets pruning specifications and often requires a replacement tree to be planted.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn they are still responsible for maintaining street trees in front of their homes. If a limb from a street tree is hanging over the road, you are generally the one who needs to arrange pruning, with a permit.

Notice periods, replanting and fees

Some permit types require the permit to be posted on the property for a set number of days before the tree can come down, which gives neighbors the chance to see what is planned. Plan for that time when scheduling your removal.

The city may also require one or more replacement trees, or a fee in lieu of planting when there is no suitable spot. Permit fees change periodically, so we confirm the current amounts when we prepare your estimate rather than quoting from memory.

How we handle permits for our customers

During the free estimate, our arborist measures the tree, notes its condition and checks whether your property is in an environmental overlay zone, which adds additional rules. We then tell you exactly which permit applies and whether an arborist report is needed.

If you would like, we prepare the application materials and schedule the work to line up with the end of any notice period. You stay informed, and nothing comes down until the paperwork is in order. It is the fastest way we know to remove a tree legally without surprises.