Portland regulates pruning under the same Tree Code (PCC Title 11) that governs removals. Pruning any street tree requires a free Urban Forestry permit under PCC 11.40.020, and pruning that removes more than 15% of the live crown of a street tree or designated Heritage Tree requires a full permit and ANSI A300 standards. Routine clearance pruning of branches encroaching from a neighbor's tree is allowed up to the property line but must not damage tree health.
PCC 11.40 covers both removal and pruning. Street trees: PCC 11.40.020 requires a free permit for any pruning beyond clearing dead twigs; permits ensure work meets ANSI A300 industry standards. Private trees: pruning under 15% of the live crown generally does not need a permit, but heavier pruning, topping (which is prohibited under PCC 11.35), and pruning of Heritage Trees (PCC 11.20) require an Urban Forestry permit. PCC 11.35.020 specifically bans topping (cutting back branches to lateral stubs incapable of leaf production), and trees damaged by topping must be replaced. Encroachment: under common-law and PCC 11.40, a property owner may trim back branches that physically cross the property line, but only to the line and only without damaging the tree's health; cutting beyond the line or causing tree death exposes the trimmer to PCC 11.45 penalties. The City typically prunes street trees on a 10-year cycle in newer programs.
Topping a street tree or Heritage Tree under PCC 11.35.020 carries fines up to $1,000 per inch DBH (same as unpermitted removal) and may require tree replacement. Unpermitted pruning that exceeds 15% live-crown removal is enforced as 'damage' under PCC 11.45.030. Damaging a neighbor's tree by over-trimming may also lead to civil liability for treble damages under Oregon ORS 105.810 ('willful trespass to trees').
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