This page describes the City of Tigard's existing
urban forestry code.
The existing code requirements will be in effect until July 2012 when the newly revised
code is scheduled for adoption. For information on the revised code, visit the
Urban Forestry Code Revisions web page,
or contact Todd Prager Associate
Planner/Arborist at todd@tigard-or.gov or 503-718-2700.
Tree Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance is essential for trees in urban areas. Well maintained
trees become established more quickly after planting; are less likely to
conflict with buildings, infrastructure, and visual clearance; are healthier
and more aesthetically pleasing; and will be less hazardous as they age.
The Tigard Municipal Code addresses proper care and maintenance of trees
in a variety of sections that are described in more detail below. In
addition, there are many educational and professional resources
available to assist people in the proper care and maintenance of trees.
View the tree maintenance resources below for more information on topics such as how to
properly care for trees and how to hire certified arborists.
For more information on Tigard's tree maintenance requirements or to learn more about how to
properly maintain trees, contact Tigard's City Arborist, Todd Prager, at
503-718-2700 or email todd@tigard-or.gov.
Prevent Tree Hazards
Each season before the worst of the weather arrives, examine the trees on your property with an eye
towards these potential hazards adapted from the International Society of Arboriculture.
- Are there large dead branches in the tree? Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
- Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
- Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree?
- Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
- Have any branches fallen from the tree? Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
- Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
- Have the roots been broken off, injured or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing
sidewalks or digging trenches?
- Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level or installing lawns?
- Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
- Has the tree been ‘topped’ or heavily pruned?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions or if you would like a more thorough assessment of your trees,
find an ISA Certified Arborist in our area at www.pnwisa.org or call 503-874-8263.
Tigard's Tree Maintenance Regulations:
The Tigard Municipal Code contains a variety of sections that address tree maintenance.
Section 7.40.060 requires property
owners to maintain tree branches at a height of no less than 8' over sidewalks
and no less than 10' over streets. It also requires property owners to
maintain their trees so that they do not pose safety hazards to the public.
These requirements apply to both street trees (in the public right of way)
and landscape trees on private property. Section 060.2.d of the
Tigard Tree Manual has further branch clearance requirements based on street type.
Sections 9.06.030 and 9.06.040 require
newly planted and established trees on City property to be maintained per the requirements
of Sections 030 and 060
respectively of the Tigard Tree Manual. These requirements apply to the maintenance
of street trees by private property owners as well.
Section 18.745.030 requires
that trees planted per a development code requirement be properly maintained. This
requirement applies to street trees, parking lot trees, buffer trees and any other
tree required as part of development approval. Section 18.745.030.F and 18.745.040.D
have further specifications regarding property owners' maintenance responsibilities
for street trees.
Tree Maintenance Resources:
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