By Tess Monroe · October 7, 2026
Portland regulates the removal of many trees on private land, not only street trees. Whether you need a permit depends mostly on the trunk size and the type of tree.
Dead, dying or dangerous trees usually still need a permit, but the process is faster, and an arborist report often supports it.
Some removals require replanting or a fee in place of replanting. We tell you up front so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Removing a regulated tree without a permit can lead to fines, so it is worth checking before anyone starts a saw.
