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Heritage Trees are living landmarks. They watch history unfold, they honor notable people and groups, and their age, size, and beauty inspire delight and wonder. They create an irreplaceable sense of place, shaping the identity of the neighborhoods and communities they anchor.
About Heritage Trees
Heritage Trees are formally recognized by City Council for their unique size, age, and historical or horticultural significance. Once accepted by Council, Heritage Trees are designated with a small plaque so they can be identified by the public and listed in the Heritage Tree database. There are over 300 Heritage Trees throughout Portland, and new trees are added each year. Anyone can nominate a Heritage Tree!
Love Heritage Trees?
- Become a Heritage Tree Volunteer! Volunteers are a critical part of the Heritage Tree Program, helping to nominate New Heritage Trees, engage and educate the public, and monitor existing Heritage Trees.
- Become a Neighborhood Tree Steward! Through a six-week training, community members who are passionate about trees and giving back can learn how to care for, appreciate, and advocate for the city's trees.
Heritage Tree Map
Explore the Heritage Tree map to learn more about Heritage Trees in your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I nominate a Heritage Tree?
The nomination deadline is May 1 each year. It takes about a year to receive Heritage Tree designation once the nominated tree has been accepted. Learn more about nominations and how to find and nominate the best tree.
What are the Heritage Tree rules once it is designated?
Heritage Trees are protected by City Code; once designated, no Heritage Tree can be removed without the consent of the Urban Forestry Commission and the Portland City Council. No tree on private property can be designated without the consent of the property owner. This consent binds all successors, heirs, and assigns. The ordinance further states that it is unlawful for any person, without a prior written permit from the Forester, to remove, destroy, cut, prune, break, or injure any Heritage Tree.
Heritage Trees located on private property are maintained by the landowner. Special care is required to ensure Heritage Trees live long and healthy lives.
Can I prune or remove a Heritage Tree?
A permit from Portland Permitting & Development is required before pruning or doing any other tree work on a Heritage Tree, whether the tree is in the City right-of-way or on private property. A site visit by a Portland Permitting & Development Tree Inspector is required before a permit can be issued for Heritage Tree work.
A Heritage Tree can only be approved for removal if it is dead, dying, or dangerous. Heritage Trees may only be removed with the consent of the Urban Forestry Commission, except in cases of emergency. The Urban Forestry Commission will hold a public hearing on a request to remove a Heritage Tree. Consent to remove the tree must be supported by at least six members of the Urban Forestry Commission (Chapter 11.20.060.F).
How do you remove a Heritage Tree designation?
Heritage Tree designations can be removed ("delisted") by vote of City Council if it finds that the designation is no longer appropriate. Prior to this vote, the Urban Forestry Commission will provide a recommendation to City Council regarding whether to approve or deny a request to remove the Heritage Tree designation (Chapter 11.20.060.E).
What are the rules around Heritage Trees and development?
Heritage Trees must be protected during development. Work on or around any Heritage Tree requires the property owner or applicant to schedule an assessment meeting with Portland Permitting & Development by calling 503-823-TREE (8733). For permit approval, Portland Permitting & Development needs to see the protections planned for the Heritage Tree clearly documented on the tree preservation plan. It is recommended to take a copy of the current plan to the onsite meeting with Portland Permitting & Development. The onsite meeting should be scheduled early in the development application process.
What is the history of the Heritage Tree program?
The Heritage Tree ordinance became part of the Portland City code on May 19, 1993, and the first Heritage Trees were designated in 1994. Previous ordinances allowed for Historic Landmark trees (trees #1 and #2 were in this category), and for Historic Trees (trees #3, #4, #5, and #6 were so designated in 1993).
The Heritage Tree ordinance calls for the City Forester to annually prepare a list of trees that, because of their age, size, type, historical association, or horticultural value are of special importance to the City. Upon recommendation of the Urban Forestry Commission, the City Council may designate a tree as a Heritage Tree provided the tree's health and ample space for growth have been certified as sufficient.