Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the planter strip or public right of way fronting my property?
Yes the city must approve the species and planting location for street trees per the Urban Forestry Manual, Section 2. Check with the city regarding specific permit requirements.

Is it true that the city offers free street trees for Tigard property owners?
Yes, the city's free street tree program offers street trees to Tigard residents annually.

I plan on developing my property. Am I required to plant trees? Are there incentives for preserving existing trees?
Yes. The Community Development Code contains information regarding the city's tree canopy requirements. Incentives for preserving existing trees, such as receiving double credit towards the canopy requirements are also found in this section. There are additional incentives for preserving significant tree groves such as clustering development, increasing building heights and reducing setbacks.

Our Heritage and Significant Tree Program was established to identify and raise public awareness of rare and/or exceptional trees due to their age, size, species, horticultural quality or historical importance.

Heritage Tree Program
This program may offer incentives to private landowners who protect heritage trees growing on their property. The heritage tree track provides city assistance for maintenance in exchange for regulatory protection. Incentives offered include permanent financial and technical assistance with tree maintenance and preservation. Trees on city property are also eligible for the heritage tree designation. Each heritage tree will be identified with a plaque and included on the city's Heritage Tree and Significant Tree Map. The city has the capacity to designate up to two heritage trees per year.

Significant Tree Program
The significant tree track allows trees to be publicly recognized without regulatory restrictions. Significant trees are not eligible for city assistance for maintenance because property owners are allowed to remove the tree at any time. Each significant tree will be included on the city's Heritage Tree and Significant Tree Map.

Nomination Process
If you have a special tree growing on your property, or if you discover a noteworthy tree in Tigard, you may nominate the tree for Heritage Tree designation by completing a nomination form. All nominations will be reviewed by a city contracted Arborist, the Tigard Tree Board and ultimately the City Council.

The Heritage Tree Nomination form is available online or by contacting us at 503-718-2421.

The Tree City USA program provides national recognition for urban and community forestry projects across the country.

To achieve Tree City USA status, a city must meet four core standards established by the National Arbor Day Foundation, including hosting an annual Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation. 

Tigard has been named a Tree City USA since 2000 by the National Arbor Day Foundation.  The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

The City of Tigard supports the planting of trees on both public and private property in order to maximize the environmental and aesthetic benefits provided by trees. The city actively plants trees within the city's parks, floodplains, riparian areas, and on other public lands.

Need tree planting ideas?

• Approved Trees List
• Nuisance Tree List