Tree Protection in Salem, OR (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Salem, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
The Salem City Council designates heritage trees by resolution on the property owner's own nomination, based on the tree's location, size, age, or historic significance, and once designated, SRC 808.010 bars removal unless a certified arborist confirms the tree is hazardous.
Salem Heritage Tree Designation and Removal Ban
Heavy RestrictionsSalem Revised Code § 808.010
(a)Designation of heritage trees. The Council may, by resolution, designate a heritage tree upon nomination by the property owner, in recognition of the tree's location, size, or age; botanical interest; or historic or cultural significance.(b)Protection of heritage trees. No person shall remove a heritage tree unless the tree has been determined to be a hazardous tree by a certified arborist, ...
Protected Tree Species
Salem Revised Code Chapter 808 bars removal of any rare, threatened, or endangered tree species regardless of trunk size, along with large Oregon white oaks and other big trees, unless the owner obtains a City permit, an approved tree conservation plan, or a variance.
Salem Protects Rare and Endangered Trees
Significant RestrictionsSalem Revised Code §§ 808.005, 808.015
Significant tree means: (a)A rare, threatened, or endangered tree of any size, as defined or designated under state or federal law and included in the tree and vegetation technical manual; ... No person shall remove a significant tree, unless the removal is undertaken pursuant to a tree and vegetation removal permit issued under SRC 808.030, undertaken pursuant to a tree conservation plan appro...
Parkway Planting
Every property owner developing along a Salem street must plant City-approved street trees as a condition of final building occupancy under SRC 86.065(c), with the application filed alongside the building permit and verified at final inspection. Owners who prefer not to plant may instead pay a City-set fee for the City to install the required trees. Planting on City property outside that context needs the Director's written permit.
Salem Street Tree Planting Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSalem Revised Code § 86.065(b)-(c)
(b)Any person required to or desiring to plant trees on City property must file a permit application with the City. Upon receipt of an application under this section, the Director shall investigate the location where the tree or trees are to be planted and may grant a permit only if the location will allow for the normal growth and development of each tree. The permit shall specify the location...
Looking for Marion County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Salem city rules.
Tree Protection in Marion County →