Portland, OR · Multnomah County
Tree removal in Portland, Oregon
In Portland, removing a private tree 12 inches or more in diameter generally needs a Title 11 tree permit. Removing a single tree 20 inches or larger, or five or more trees 12 inches and up, goes through a Type B permit with review, a public notice and possible inch-for-inch replacement. Dead, dying and dangerous trees are handled under their own permit category. Ice storms are the city's biggest emergency driver.
Portland's tree code, Title 11, covers both street trees and private trees, which makes it one of the most comprehensive in the country. For private trees, the threshold is 12 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet. A Type A permit covers smaller removals; a Type B permit, for big trees or many trees, involves review by the City Forester, a posted public notice, a chance for appeal and replacement planting that can run up to inch for inch.
The city's emergencies come from ice. The February 2021 ice storm was the worst in about 40 years, and in January 2024 ice and wind brought down roughly 400 trees reported in Portland. Big Douglas-firs and bigleaf maples crowd older neighborhoods, and emerald ash borer, found in nearby Forest Grove in 2022, threatens the city's ash.
Reviewed and updated
Ice, wind, ash borer and permits
Ice storms
Freezing rain from Columbia Gorge east winds, as in February 2021 and January 2024.
Wet-soil windthrow
Tall conifers uproot in winter windstorms on saturated soil.
Emerald ash borer
Found in Forest Grove in June 2022; Portland's ash are at risk.
Title 11 permits
Most private trees 12 inches and up need a permit before removal.
Portland's Title 11 tree permits
- Private trees 12 inches or more in diameter are regulated by Portland's Title 11 unless Title 33 zoning rules apply instead.
- Removing a single tree 20 inches or larger, or five or more trees 12 inches and up, is a Type B permit: review, public notice, possible appeal and replacement up to inch for inch at the City Forester's discretion.
- Street trees need a permit for pruning, removal or planting.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Type A or Type B: which permit you need
Portland's Urban Forestry staff can confirm which path applies before you book work; a company that works in Portland regularly should know the process too.
One private tree 12–19 in. diameter
- Permit path
- Type A permit
One private tree 20 in. or larger
- Permit path
- Type B: review, public notice, possible inch-for-inch replacement
Five or more trees 12 in. and up
- Permit path
- Type B
Dead, dying or dangerous tree
- Permit path
- Permit still needed; usually simpler
Street tree (pruning, removal, planting)
- Permit path
- Street tree permit
Douglas-firs, maples, cedars and oaks
- Douglas-fir
- Very tall near houses; root rot and windthrow risk
- Bigleaf maple
- Heavy limbs fail under ice
- Western redcedar
- Drought dieback in recent summers
- Oregon white oak
- Native; valued and protected
- Ash
- Emerald ash borer threat
Narrow lots, West Hills slopes and big conifers
Older Portland neighborhoods have narrow lots with big conifers between houses, overhead lines along streets and steep West Hills lots where equipment access is limited. Sectional removal with climbers and rigging, or cranes from the street, is common.
Getting ready for ice season
- Have heavy, horizontal bigleaf maple limbs over roofs and lines reduced in late winter or spring.
- Remove dead tops and limbs from conifers before November.
- Have Douglas-firs with a new lean, fungus at the base or cracked soil assessed before windstorm season.
- Know your permit path before an emergency, so non-urgent removals can be scheduled quickly.
Portland services by season
After ice storms and windstorms.
For leaning or root-rotted Douglas-firs.
For tall conifers between houses.
Reducing maple limbs before ice season.
For permitted removals under Title 11.
Portland tree questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Portland?
For private trees 12 inches or more in diameter, generally yes, under Title 11. Big trees (20 inches or more) or five or more trees need a Type B permit with review and public notice.
What is a Type B tree permit in Portland?
The permit for removing a single tree 20 inches or larger, or five or more trees 12 inches and up. It includes City Forester review, a posted public notice, a chance to appeal and possible replacement up to inch for inch.
Can I remove a dead or dangerous tree in Portland without a permit?
Dead, dying and dangerous trees still go through the permit system, usually with a simpler process. In a true emergency, act for safety and document it, then contact Urban Forestry.
Do I need a permit to prune a street tree in Portland?
Yes. Pruning, removing or planting a street tree requires a permit.
Why do so many Portland trees fall in ice storms?
East winds through the Columbia Gorge bring freezing rain that loads limbs with ice. Big maples and conifers near houses and lines break or topple.
Is emerald ash borer in Portland?
It was found in Forest Grove, west of Portland, in June 2022. Watch ash trees for thinning crowns and D-shaped exit holes.
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More local guides
Need tree help in Portland?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.