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Pruning (Private and Non-Heritage) Tree Permits

Service
Private trees are located entirely on private property. Below are several options for submitting and application including; Online, mail, and in person.
On this Page

  1. Do You Need a Permit?

    Review the (Private) (Non-Heritage) Tree Pruning FAQs page

    Did you determine that you need a private tree pruning permit? 

    • Topics include:
      • If the tree is native and in a regulated Overlay zone or Plan District
      • Exceptions and qualifications
      • Allowed and prohibited pruning activities

    For Street or Heritage tree pruning applications, go here instead.

    Proceed to Step 2 if the answer is Yes

    (and you do need a permit)

  2. Have a practicing Certified Arborist prepare a Pruning Plan

    These are individuals with:

    • Relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry
    • And must currently have one of the following credentials:
      • International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
      • American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist
    • Local Tree Care Providers
    • Tips for Hiring an Arborist

  3. Download and Complete Application

    Fill out the application below completely and legibly. All information is required.

    Private tree pruning permits are not self-issuable. 

    Only an owner of the property or the owner's designee may apply for a private tree pruning permit. Request a private tree pruning permit one of the following ways:

    • Call 503-823-TREE (8733) to request a paper Private Tree Pruning Permit Application; OR
    • Download the Private Tree Pruning Permit Application

    Need Help Using Electronic Documents?

    Private tree pruning permit application (115.17 KB)

  4. Send in Application

    Mail: Attn: Urban Forestry

    1900 SW 4th Ave. Suite 5000

    Portland, OR 97201

  5. Brochures:

    Pruning and Care of Young and Mature Trees Brochure (1.24 MB)
    Introduction to tree pruning document (1.08 MB)
    Tree Pruning Brochure (12.25 MB)

  1. Do You Need a Permit?

    Review the (Private) (Non-Heritage) Tree Pruning FAQs page

    Did you determine that you need a private tree pruning permit? 

    • Topics include:
      • If the tree is native and in a regulated Overlay zone or Plan District
      • Exceptions and qualifications
      • Allowed and prohibited pruning activities

    For Street or Heritage tree pruning applications, go here instead.

    Proceed to Step 2 if the answer is Yes

    (and you do need a permit)

  2. Have a practicing Certified Arborist prepare a Pruning Plan

    These are individuals with:

    • Relevant education and training in arboriculture or urban forestry
    • And must currently have one of the following credentials:
      • International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
      • American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist
    • Local Tree Care Providers
    • Tips for Hiring an Arborist

  3. Download and Complete Application

    Fill out the application below completely and legibly. All information is required.

    Private tree pruning permits are not self-issuable. 

    Only an owner of the property or the owner's designee may apply for a private tree pruning permit. Request a private tree pruning permit one of the following ways:

    • Call 503-823-TREE (8733) to request a paper Private Tree Pruning Permit Application; OR
    • Download the Private Tree Pruning Permit Application

    Need Help Using Electronic Documents?

    Private tree pruning permit application (115.17 KB)

  4. Bring in Application

    Development Services Center

    City Office
    1900 SW Fourth Avenue
    First floor lobby
    Portland, OR 97201
    dangerEmergency Closure
    Emergency closure information
    Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon

  5. Brochures:

    Pruning and Care of Young and Mature Trees Brochure (1.24 MB)
    Introduction to tree pruning document (1.08 MB)
    Tree Pruning Brochure (12.25 MB)

Contact

Urban Forestry

Manager of our urban forest infrastructure

trees@portlandoregon.gov
phone number503-823-8733

Mailing address

Attn: Urban Forestry
1900 SW 4th Ave. Suite 5000
Portland, OR 97201

Related

How to Prune Properly
Do I Need a Tree Permit?
Tips for Hiring an Arborist
Overlay Zone or Plan District
Tree Care and Resources
Title 11 Trees

Topics

Trees

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