Tree Protection in Oregon (2026)
21 rules on the books across Oregon, 11 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Heritage & Protected Trees
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
Hillsboro
Heavy RestrictionsHillsboro's code doesn't use the term 'heritage tree': it protects large 'specimen' trees by species and diameter, like…
Read full rule →Salem
Heavy RestrictionsThe Salem City Council designates heritage trees by resolution on the property owner's own nomination, based on the…
Read full rule →Eugene
Significant RestrictionsEugene designates heritage trees by administrative rule based on size, history, location or species, and separately…
Read full rule →Portland
Significant RestrictionsPortland designates Heritage Trees by City Council action, and removing, pruning, or injuring one without written…
Read full rule →Beaverton
Some RestrictionsBeaverton's Development Code protects Significant Individual Trees, Historic Trees, and Significant Grove/SNRA trees…
Read full rule →Gresham
Some RestrictionsGresham designates individual trees or groves as Significant when they show distinctive size, beauty, historic…
Read full rule →Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Salem
Significant RestrictionsSalem Revised Code Chapter 808 bars removal of any rare, threatened, or endangered tree species regardless of trunk…
Read full rule →Washington County
Significant RestrictionsIn Significant Habitat areas within the urban growth boundary, only trees on the county's Native Tree List Category A…
Read full rule →Gresham
Some RestrictionsBefore a Gresham building or land-use permit disturbs ground near a Regulated, Required, or Significant tree, the…
Read full rule →Multnomah County
Some RestrictionsWithin Multnomah County's mapped SEC riparian overlays, developers cannot clear more than half of mature trees (6-inch…
Read full rule →Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
Bend
Significant RestrictionsIn Bend's Central Business District, a City right-of-way tree may only be removed if it's replaced under Bend Code §…
Read full rule →Beaverton
Some RestrictionsBeaverton requires street trees along every new land division's frontage before the city will approve the final plat…
Read full rule →Eugene
Some RestrictionsEugene requires an approved street tree plan before any new street can be created, under EC 7.280: developers must…
Read full rule →Gresham
Some RestrictionsNew Gresham development must include one street tree for every 35 feet of frontage, each at least 1.75 inches in…
Read full rule →Hillsboro
Some RestrictionsPlanting, removing, or replacing a tree in the Hillsboro right-of-way next to your property requires a City permit…
Read full rule →Lane County
Some RestrictionsLane County requires a planting strip along urban arterial and collector streets for street trees, landscaping, and…
Read full rule →Medford
Some RestrictionsMedford requires a free written permit from the Parks and Recreation Director before anyone but a city employee plants…
Read full rule →Multnomah County
Some RestrictionsPlanting, maintaining or removing a street tree in the public right-of-way of unincorporated Multnomah County requires…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsPortland requires new development and street-improvement projects to plant one street tree for every 25 feet of…
Read full rule →Salem
Some RestrictionsEvery property owner developing along a Salem street must plant City-approved street trees as a condition of final…
Read full rule →Washington County
Some RestrictionsNew development in unincorporated Washington County that fronts a public or private street must plant street trees…
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