Approved Street Tree Planting Lists

Right Tree, Right Place - Find Your Tree!

The best street tree is one that fits well in the available space, or "right tree, right place." To help property owners choose the right tree, the City maintains Approved Street Tree Planting Lists based on the width of the planting strip and the presence or absence of overhead high voltage power lines. Click on any of the following links to explore street tree planting options for different sites:

• 3.0 to 3.9 Foot Wide Spaces With or Without High Voltage Power Lines
• 4.0 to 5.9 Foot Wide Planting Spaces With High Voltage Power Lines
• 4.0 to 5.9 Foot Wide Planting Spaces Without High Voltage Power Lines
• 6.0 Foot Wide and Greater Planting Spaces With High Voltage Power Lines
• 6.0 to 8.4 Foot Wide Planting Spaces Without High Voltage Power Lines
• 8.5 Foot Wide and Greater Planting Spaces Without High Voltage Power Lines

• Download Excel fileCity of Portland Approved Street Tree List Master Table32.89 KB
  The Master Tree Table features all site types and all tree options in a format that allows you to apply filters or sort by Tree Type, Scientific Name, Common Name or other Site Condition. Click here for tips on how to use this file.         

Not Sure Which List to Use? 

• Measure the width of the planting space from the inside of the curb to the edge of the sidewalk
• Check for overhead high voltage wires
• If the planting site is in an unimproved right-of-way (curb with no sidewalk; or no curb and no sidewalk; or no curb, no sidewalk, and no paved road):
  • Use the "6.0 foot and greater sites with high voltage power lines" list if overhead high voltage power lines are present
  • Use the "8.5 foot and greater sites without high voltage power lines" list if there are no overhead high voltage power lines present

Before You Plant 

1. Before planting a tree on a City street (right-of-way), follow these steps:
2. Obtain a planting permit. The permit is free and includes an on-site inspection. 
3. Wait until you receive your planting permit to purchase your tree. An Urban Forestry Tree Inspector will make sure the tree you choose the "right tree for the right place" and answer any questions you may have. This will ensure that the tree provides the maximum benefit and requires minimal maintenance in the future.
4. Check for underground utilities by calling the Oregon utility notification locate center hotline by dialing 811 or 503-246-6699 (local) or 1-800-332-2344 (toll-free).
5. Review resources on tree selection, purchase, planting and establishment. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Read the Tree Code, Title 11