Portland Has 15% More Street Trees Than in Previous Years

News Article

Urban Forestry study shows growth and success; updates types of suitable street tree species to plant

(Portland, OR) -

Portland Parks & Recreation's (PP&R) Urban Forestry (UF) division has completed a three-year effort to map, measure, and identify more than 250,000 (252,180) street trees across the city. The data shows there is still room for improvement, but key findings include a 15% increase in Portland's street trees over the past decade, greater species diversity, and about 90% of street trees are in good or fair condition.

Portland's urban forest is made up of more than 1.2 million park trees, 330,000 street trees, and 2.9 million private property trees.

The research is the first in nearly 10 years, and the results are encouraging as Portland works to protect, preserve, and manage its overall tree canopy - part of the very fabric of the city.

"Portland's street trees cool our neighborhoods, clean the air we breathe, and support wildlife," says Priya Dhanapal, Deputy City Administrator for Public Works. "I appreciate the Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division's commitment to research and science and using them to inform our best practices in growing and managing our city's signature tree canopy."

The Street Tree Inventory was completed in part with funds from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).

"Knowing more about tree health, coverage, and trends allows us to better protect and preserve them," says City Forester Jenn Cairo. "This is especially important for communities with fewer trees and less tree coverage like North and East Portland."

Key Findings:

• Portland has about 15% more street trees than in 2016.
• It has greater diversity: 354 unique species were documented, increasing resilience to pests and climate change.
• Tree health: 90% are in good or fair condition, contributing to cooling, stormwater reduction, and public health.
• Opportunities remain: Many planting sites remain underutilized, especially large ones where small species are often planted instead of larger shade trees.
• Citywide estimate: Including natural/forested areas, Portland likely has about 333,000 street trees in total. In addition to the over 252,000 trees mapped and available on our website (see link below), there are an estimated 81,000 trees along roads in forested/natural areas which are not easily inventoried.

A PP&R Urban Forestry staffer measures the diameter of a tree. Recent data shows there is still room for improvement, but key findings include a 15% increase in Portland's street trees over the past decade, greater species diversity, and about 90% of street trees are in good or fair condition.

Data from the project is available to the public:

• Tree Inventory map- Explore street and park trees with a mobile friendly map.
• Street Tree Inventory dashboard- Learn more about tree data by neighborhood, or citywide. Learn about the most common tree types and the health and size of trees.
• Street Tree Inventory report- Analysis and key takeaways from street tree data.

Updates to the Approved Street Tree Planting Lists

Urban Forestry staff have updated the Approved Street Tree Planting Lists to support a healthier, more diverse, and climate-resilient urban forest. These changes reflect recent tree inventory data and aim to ensure long-term sustainability across Portland.

The lists help Portland property owners select the right tree for the right place, based on planting strip width and overhead power lines. A free planting permit is required for trees in public rights of way to ensure safe, sustainable growth.

What's New:

• 15 climate-adapted species added for future conditions.
• Native updates: Ponderosa pine and black hawthorn added; grand fir and western hemlock removed.
• 10 underperforming species removed for poor success or nursery availability.
• Expanded options for small sites, including new evergreens and natives.
• Larger trees prioritized for wide planting strips; smaller trees moved to appropriate lists.

Updates were guided by scientific tree inventory research and local monitoring data, with input from experts.

About PP&R Urban Forestry

The Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestrydivision's mission is to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland's urban forest is valued at ~$9.6 billion and is made up of more than 1.2 million park trees, 330,000 street trees, and 2.9 million private property trees. The Urban Forestry team is responsible for the overall management, stewardship, and improvement of this essential infrastructure system. Urban Forestry staff's work includes delivery of sustainable and equitable forest services to all Portlanders; establishing and enacting best management practices, plans, policies, and technical standards for tree care and protection and urban forest expansion; proposing improvements to the City's tree regulations; providing tree maintenance services including 24/7 response to emergencies on City properties and public streets; tree planting and expansion of urban forest services; measurement and assessment of urban forest coverage, health, and services; offering community education and stewardship programs and partnerships; and oversight and support of the City's volunteer advisory tree board. Portland is a Tree City USA for 48 years; a Tree City of the Worldand the Urban Forestry program is accreditedby the Urban and Community Forestry Society.

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