Street Tree Replacement

A Street Tree is defined as any tree in or on the City road right of way. This normally includes all trees located in a planting strip between the sidewalk and curb.

The City requires permits in order to ensure that street trees are replaced if removed from the public right-of-way. Permits are also the City's way of tracking the overall change in tree canopy city-wide, which is an important component of being a designated member of Tree City USA.

Did you know? 
Planting a public / street tree can provide an abundance of benefits, not just environmental! For example, a recent study by the City of Portland found that a tree with a canopy cover of 312 square feet (the average for the study) adds $7,593 in value to the house it fronts. Trees also positively influence the values of houses within 100 feet. On average, there are 7.6 houses within 100 feet of a street tree. A tree with 312 square feet of canopy cover adds, on average, $9,241 to the value of neighboring houses. 

Tree removal is a last resort!

There are, however, circumstances when it is warranted. Removal may be indicated when a tree is:

• Dead, diseased, or dying
• Assessed as irreparably hazardous by a Certified Arborist
• Causes hazardous conditions that are impossible to mitigate by other means
• Causes crowding or harm to other trees
• Replaced by a more suitable specimen
• Located in a construction or development site which does not allow for its safe retention
• Creates a mobility hazard that can not be adequately repaired without removing the tree

A Street Tree Replacement Form is required to be approved for any street tree removal and/or replacement.

1. Complete and submit for a Street Tree Removal and Replacement Permit, if removal of street tree is needed,  with photos of street tree(s) to be removed.
2.  Payment will need to accompany the Street Tree Removal and Replacement Form.