Street and planting-strip trees
Street tree & planting strip permits in Portland
If the tree is in Portland’s public right-of-way, a permit is required before removal and generally before pruning. The planting strip is common, but an unimproved right-of-way can count too.
What counts as a street tree
Portland describes street trees as trees in the City right-of-way. They are often between the curb and sidewalk, but the right-of-way may extend beyond that familiar planting strip where there is no curb or sidewalk.
Tree location is a key fact, not a guess. A tree that straddles the private-property and right-of-way line should be treated as uncertain until the City confirms how it is regulated.
Pruning, removal, and replacement
Street-tree removal requires City permission. For pruning, Portland allows only a narrow no-permit exception for branches under one-half inch at the attachment point. Some qualifying, non-Heritage pruning can use a self-issued permit; larger or more complex work requires Urban Forestry review.
Replacement obligations can apply after a permitted removal. They depend on the approved permit path, tree conditions, and site details, so do not budget based on a generic replacement number. The permit decision tells you what is required for that specific tree and location.
Next steps
- Identify the curb, sidewalk, and property boundary—or mark the tree as uncertain.
- State whether you plan to prune or remove, and describe the exact work.
- Apply through the City’s street-tree route or request City review before starting work.
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.
Get a clearer path
Check your property and one tree.
Answer only the questions that matter, then see official sources and the next action.