Tree Protection in Eugene, OR

If you live in Eugene or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Eugene has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Eugene designates heritage trees by administrative rule based on size, history, location or species, and separately bars anyone from felling a heritage tree standing in the public right-of-way unless the city grants authorization to protect public health, safety or welfare.

Key details: Governing sections: EC 6.300, 6.305(4), 6.330(b). Heritage tree basis: Size, history, location or species. Classification method: Set by administrative rule (EC 2.019). Right-of-way heritage trees: Felling barred without city authorization. Penalty: $100-$4,000 per tree, up to 100 days jail.

Felling a heritage tree from the public right-of-way without the city's specific authorization falls under the general tree-felling penalty at EC 6.990(3): a fine of $100 to $4,000 per tree removed, up to 100 days in jail, or both, and the city attorney may pursue legal action at the city manager's request to enforce EC 6.305 and 6.310.

Compared to other cities, Eugene takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Parkway Planting

Eugene requires an approved street tree plan before any new street can be created, under EC 7.280: developers must plant and establish trees on every street the development abuts, either by paying the city to do the planting or doing it themselves under a bonded, city-reviewed plan.

Key details: Governing section: EC 7.280, Street Tree Program. Trigger: Required before creating any new street. Establishment period: 3 years of watering, pruning, replacement. Payment options: City-installs fee, or self-install plus bond. Existing trees: Must be retained unless removal is approved.

EC 7.280 enforces compliance through the development approval process itself rather than a standalone citation: a street cannot get final plat approval without an approved street tree plan and payment of the required fee or bond, and removing an existing large street tree without approval under EC 6.300 to 6.330 triggers that section's separate tree-removal penalties along with a mandatory like-value replacement inside the right-of-way at the developer's cost.

The Bottom Line

Eugene's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Eugene is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Eugene's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.