(Portland, OR) –
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Urban Forestry staff are working hard to clear downed trees and branches at 45 sites across the Rose City. There are 12 PP&R arborists able to address emergencies affecting the more than 1.2 million trees in Portland’s parks and natural areas, and nearly 220,000 street trees.
“Everyone at Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry team is committed to keeping our community and our trees healthy and safe,” says Portland City Forester Jenn Cairo. “Our skilled and knowledgeable team members were on the streets all night and will continue addressing tree emergencies all day.”
Reports of tree-related emergencies began to come in at 6pm on Sunday, September 7, 2020. Urban Forestry crews are addressing the most critical issues first, working to mitigate safety issues and to clear paths for first responders and other vehicles. Non-emergency tree work is being delayed until critical City services are completed.
Staff are currently addressing trees blocking the roads at SW Terwilliger Boulevard and Capitol Highway, and at NE 28th Avenue and Couch Street. While storm impacts are city-wide, areas along the Columbia River and near the airport are particularly affected as well.
To report a tree-related emergency (downed tree or large limb, NOT small branches)
For tree emergencies, call 503-823-TREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For non-emergency questions about trees located anywhere in the City of Portland, visit Urban Forestry online.
When they are not working to assist in emergency response, the four Urban Forestry Tree Technicians and temporary support staff are reachable via email at Trees@portlandoregon.gov or phone. They can help with information and permits around trees on private properties, tree regulations, planting information, and more. Urban Forestry outreach staff focus on science and education efforts such as free tree stewardship trainings for Portlanders, our annual Yard Tree Giveaways in autumn, and equitable tree planting efforts.
About Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division
Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry's mission is to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Our urban forest consists of 218,000 street trees, 1.2 million park trees, and innumerable private property trees. Per City Code, landowners are responsible for the care of trees on their private property and adjacent street trees. This includes taking care of cleaning up downed trees and branches from trees on their property and adjacent street trees.
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