Tigard, OR Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Chapter 8.16 of the Tigard Municipal Code sets up heritage trees in the City of Tigard. Its purpose in § 8.16.010 is to recognize, appreciate and provide for voluntary protection of trees of landmark importance due to age, size, species, horticultural quality or historic importance. Section 8.02.050 defines a heritage tree as a tree or stand of trees of landmark importance that has been approved as a heritage tree by the Tigard City Council.

Nomination follows § 8.16.030. Any person can nominate a tree or group of trees, but the nomination must be submitted by the tree owner or responsible party or accompanied by their written consent. For a tree on city property, the city manager or designee submits it or provides written consent. A designated city board or committee reviews the nomination and decides by majority vote whether to recommend heritage designation to the City Council, approve a significant tree designation, or deny both.

The deed step is what makes the designation bind. When the board or committee recommends council designation, the city manager or designee prepares the paperwork to record the designation on the owner's deed. If the owner or responsible party fails to sign, the designation is void and the chapter stops applying to the tree. The City Council then decides by majority vote and, on approval, the city executes the deed paperwork and adds the tree to a publicly accessible inventory.

Once designated, heritage trees must be maintained under § 8.16.040 consistent with tree care industry standards and so as not to become hazard trees. Under § 8.16.060 designated heritage trees are eligible, subject to availability of city funding and city approval, for plaques and for maintenance including pruning, pest control, unwanted planted removal, fertilization, soil amendment, and cabling and bracing. Section 8.16.070 bars removal of a heritage tree or its designation without prior written approval through the City Manager or City Board or Committee procedures. A tree owner who wants no regulatory protection can nominate the tree as a significant tree instead, under § 8.16.020.B.