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Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry plants free street trees in planting strips. These trees are funded by Portland’s Tree Planting and Preservation Fund and will be watered, weeded and pruned for three years after planting.
Program Overview
Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry contractors will plant up to 1,400 street trees in winter 2025-26 in Arbor Lodge, Cathedral Park, Creston-Kenilworth, Foster-Powell, Kenton, Mill Park, Rose City Park, Roseway, Russell, South Tabor, University Park, Wilkes and Woodstock.
These neighborhoods have been identified as high-need for additional tree canopy. Street trees provide many services, including:
- Summer shade and cooling
- Reduced air and noise pollution
- Stormwater absorption
- More walkable neighborhoods
- Slower traffic speeds
- Stress reduction
Trees will be planted in the public right-of-way planting strip, between the curb and sidewalk. In addition to planting, contractors will water and maintain trees for the following three summers. After the third summer, trees become the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain, which is the same for all street trees under Portland City Code 11.60.060.A.2.a.
Trees are funded by Portland’s Tree Planting and Preservation Fund, which is used to plant trees to compensate for those removed in property development and other situations, and Portland's Clean Energy Fund, which is supported by a 1% tax on large retailers and invests in projects that help make Portland more resilient to a changing climate.
For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions section below.
Planting Timeline
For the Arbor Lodge, Cathedral Park, Creston-Kenilworth, Foster-Powell, Kenton, Mill Park, Rose City Park, Roseway, Russell, South Tabor, University Park, Wilkes and Woodstock neighborhoods:
- Spring 2025: Sites surveyed for available planting spaces
- Summer 2025: Sites selected
- September 16 – October 15, 2025: Opt-out period
- September 16, 2025: First notices mailed to adjacent property owners
- October 1, 2025: Second notices are mailed to adjacent property owners
- October 15, 2025: Deadline for adjacent property owners to opt-out of planting
- November 2025 – March 2026: Trees planted
- May – October 2026, 2027, 2028: Trees watered and maintained by contractors
Species - What kind of trees do you plant?
We select trees from the City’s Approved Street Tree Planting List, focusing on species that are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and well-suited to the planting site. These trees are chosen to thrive in the space, support neighborhood health, and avoid issues with nearby infrastructure.
While we can’t accommodate individual species requests for every planting due to the large number of trees we plant, we’re happy to talk through special requests—just give us a call!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a street tree?
A street tree is a tree planted on city property in the public right-of-way - usually the strip between the sidewalk and the curb.
How do I know if I’m getting a street tree?
If you’re eligible, we’ll mark carefully selected planting sites with white on the curb in front of your home and send two letters - one in September and one in October - to let you know.
Why are street trees being planted?
Trees provide essential services for all Portlanders. Street trees provide shade, cooling, reduced air and noise pollution, storm water absorption, more walkable neighborhoods, slower traffic speeds, stress reduction, and beauty.
Why are you planting in these neighborhoods?
Some parts of Portland—especially in East and North Portland—have fewer trees and less shade. While areas west of the Willamette River have 56% tree canopy, the east side (where most Portlanders live) has only 21%. We're planting where trees are needed most to help create a more equitable urban forest. For more information, see Portland’s citywide tree planting strategy, “Growing a More Equitable Urban Forest."
I got the eligibility letter but I don’t want a tree. How do I opt out?
You can decline by contacting Urban Forestry before October 15 of the planting year. Details will be in the letter you receive.
Can someone who didn't get a letter still get a free street tree?
Only property owners who are sent a notification letter are eligible for free street trees through this project. However, there are other City-sponsored tree planting programs that are worth taking a look at.
Can I use this program to fulfill the planting requirements of a permit?
We're now able to fulfill the planting requirement for a Street Tree Removal and Replanting Permit. This does not include plantings that are required as part of a building permit or for corrections required as part of a tree code violation.
However, getting a tree from us does not automatically fulfill tree removal/replant permit requirements. Please follow all instructions and requirements as specified in your permit. It is the permit holder's responsibility to complete the permit paperwork.
When will the tree be planted?
Trees will be planted each year, between November and March.
How many trees will I receive?
Most homes will get 1-3 trees, depending on available space in front of the property. Locations are carefully chosen to avoid utility conflicts and allow healthy spacing (usually 20-25 feet between trees).
What kind of tree will be planted?
We select trees suited to the available space from the City’s Approved Street Tree Planting List. These trees are chosen for their ability to thrive in Portland’s changing climate, while being low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and resilient to pests and disease.
Who will be planting the tree?
Professional contractors plant the trees on behalf of Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry.
Who will take care of the trees?
City-selected contractors will water, weed, and maintain the trees for three summers after planting. This maintenance includes critical watering to establish a healthy tree. After the third summer, tree maintenance becomes the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, which is the same for all street trees under Portland City Code 11.60.060.A.2.a.
What if the tree damages my utilities or sidewalks?
We choose species that fit the space and follow City planting guidelines and utilities are checked twice before planting. This program operates in compliance with Portland's Approved Street Tree Planting Lists and Planting Specifications to reduce potential infrastructure damage.
The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk at their property. More information on sidewalk repair can be found on the Portland Bureau of Transportation website.
What if I want to remove the tree?
You’ll need to apply for a Tree Removal and Replant Permit from the City.
What happens if the tree dies?
If the tree dies within the first three years, we’ll remove and replace it. After that, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to apply for a Tree Removal and Replant Permit to remove and replant.
Can I make a special request?
It depends! Leave us a message at (503)823-4025 or email us at FreeTrees@PortlandOregon.gov to discuss.
Can I have a tree planted in my yard?
This program is for planting street trees, but you may be eligible for a free yard tree through our Yard Tree Giveaway or Trees for Residential Streets programs.
What other tree planting programs does Urban Forestry have?
We have many programs under Urban Forestry. You can find them in the related section above. Here is a list of all of our programs:
Who pays for this?
This program is funded by the City’s Tree Planting and Preservation Fund (TPPF) and by the Portland Clean Energy fund (PCEF). TPPF is used to plant trees to compensate for those removed during property development and other situations. The money for PCEF comes from a 1% surcharge on large corporate retailers and is used to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions, create economic opportunity and help make our city more resilient to climate change.
What is Urban Forestry?
Urban Forestry is a division of Portland Parks & Recreation. Urban Forestry's mission is to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Urban Forestry is committed to working with property owners, residents, contractors, and communities to enhance the urban forest and optimize the services that trees provide us all.