Portland Heritage Trees
Portland Heritage Tree removal & pruning rules
Any pruning or other work on a Portland Heritage Tree requires a permit and City inspection first. Removal has a much higher bar: outside an emergency, it needs Urban Forestry Commission consent.
Heritage protection comes first
Heritage Trees are formally designated living landmarks. Portland says it is unlawful to remove, prune, or injure one without prior written authorization. The rule applies whether the tree is on private property or in the public right-of-way.
A Heritage Tree can be approved for removal only when it is dead, dying, or dangerous, except for an emergency process. The Urban Forestry Commission holds a public hearing for a removal request, and the City—not TreeCheck—decides the outcome.
The 25-foot note is about development review
For development projects using Portland’s development-impact-area option, Title 11 can require identification of affected trees within the impact area and up to 25 feet beyond its edge. That is a development review boundary, not a general rule that makes ordinary work within 25 feet automatically permitted or prohibited.
If construction, excavation, staging, or another project could affect a Heritage Tree, contact Portland Permitting & Development early. The City asks applicants to document planned protection on the tree-preservation plan and schedule an assessment meeting.
Next steps
- Check the City’s Heritage Tree map and confirm the actual tree location.
- Stop before pruning, removal, or potentially damaging work, then request City review.
- For a true immediate danger, document the condition and follow Portland’s emergency direction.
Official sources
Rules can change. These City sources were reviewed on October 5, 2026. Confirm details that depend on a boundary, map record, permit history, or emergency condition with Portland before starting work.
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Check your property and one tree.
Answer only the questions that matter, then see official sources and the next action.