Heritage Tree Map
There are over 300 Heritage Trees throughout Portland, with new trees added each year. Once designated, Heritage Trees are protected by City Code and cannot be removed without the consent of the Urban Forestry Commission and Portland City Council.
View a map of Heritage Trees and explore individual trees to see photos and learn more about them.
Heritage Trees by Year
Visit this page to see a list of all of the Heritage Trees, including the ones that have been removed from the list. Trees are listed by the year they were designated and also include locations or addresses when available.
Heritage Trees by Species
Heritage Trees sorted by scientific name, with links to species and tree information.
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.
Information for Property Owners with Heritage Trees
Heritage Trees located on private property are maintained by the landowner. Special care is required to ensure Heritage Trees live long and healthy lives.
The Heritage Tree Guidebook
This 76-page guide has maps, species descriptions, best viewing times, and more. Print editions are not currently unavailable.
Announcing a new interpretive walking tour of 10 downtown Heritage Trees: From Stumptown to Treetown: A Field Guide for Interpreting Portland’s History through its Heritage Trees. This award-winning book, written by David-Paul B. Hedberg, a graduate student in the Department of History at Portland State University through an internship with Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry, connects historic photos to living trees in the city and invites you to explore some of Portland’s oldest living features.
Can I Prune or Remove a Heritage Tree?
Pruning or Other Tree Work
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 an Portland Permitting & Development Tree Inspector is required before a permit can be issued for Heritage Tree work.
Removing a Heritage Tree
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 shall hold a public hearing on a request to remove a Heritage Tree. Consent to remove the tree shall be supported by at least six members of the Urban Forestry Commission (Chapter 11.20.060.F).
Removing Heritage Tree Designation (or "de-listing")
Heritage Tree Designations can be removed (or "de-listed") 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 which approves or denies a request to remove Heritage Tree Designation (Chapter 11.20.060.E).
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.
Join the Heritage Tree Volunteers
Do you love trees? So do we! This program thrives because of dedicated volunteers like you. By joining us, you’ll play an integral role in preserving and expanding a vital part of our city’s natural and cultural heritage.
About Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry
The Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division's mission is to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland's urban forest is valued at around $9.6 billion and is made up of more than 1.2 million park trees, 330,000 street trees, and 2.9 million private property trees. The Urban Forestry team is responsible for the overall management, stewardship, and improvement of this essential infrastructure system. Urban Forestry staff's work includes delivery of sustainable and equitable forest services to all Portlanders; establishing and enacting best management practices, plans, policies, and technical standards for tree care and protection and urban forest expansion; proposing improvements to the City's tree regulations; providing tree maintenance services including 24/7 response to emergencies on City properties and public streets; tree planting and expansion of urban forest services; measurement and assessment of urban forest coverage, health, and services; offering community education and stewardship programs and partnerships; and oversight and support of the City's volunteer advisory tree board. Portland has been recognized as a Tree City USA member for 48 years and counting; a Tree City of the World; and the Urban Forestry program is accredited by the Urban and Community Forestry Society.
For more information on Urban Forestry at portland.gov/trees.