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Tree Bark
News from Urban Forestry — All Trees, No Pulp • June 13, 2025
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 Wishing all of our subscribers a Happy Pride Month!
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Big Change Coming: Tree Permit Fees are Being Reduced or Eliminated
 Urban Forestry staff measuring tree diameter.
Urban Forestry is making an important change that will make it easier for Portlanders to care for trees! Starting July 1, 2025, most Urban Forestry tree permit fees will be eliminated or significantly reduced. This change is made possible through funding from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).
Permits will still be required to perform work on regulated trees, including street trees and certain private trees. However, the fees typically associated with these permits will no longer apply to most applications submitted on or after July 1.
Permit Applications with No Fee (Starting July 1):
- Tree Removal and Replanting
- Street Tree Pruning (with inspection)
- Tree Chemical Treatment
- Street Tree Attachment
- Ornamental Tree Lighting – Street Trees
- Administrative Reviews and Appeals
Permit Application with Reduced Fee:
- Replanting Waiver: reduced from $100 to $50
These updates are designed to make tree care more accessible to property owners across Portland. They respond directly to community input and support long-term goals to maintain and expand the city’s tree canopy.
For more details on Portland tree permits what’s changing, visit portland.gov/trees or call (503) 823-TREE.
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Hot Days Ahead: Start Watering Your Young Trees
 5-gallon bucket with holes drilled for watering.
With summer temperatures arriving early in Portland, now is the time to start watering your young trees. Until the fall rains return, trees that have been planted within the last three years need at least 15 to 20 gallons of water, per week, to stay healthy and establish strong roots.
A simple and effective way to water is by using a 5-gallon bucket with small holes drilled in the side, as shown in the photo. This method helps you easily measure how much water you're using and ensures a slow, deep soak into the soil, just what young trees need.
You can also help your trees retain moisture by applying mulch. Create a mulch ring around the tree that is three feet wide and three inches deep, leaving a three-inch gap between the mulch and the base of the tree. Mulch helps the soil stay cool and reduces evaporation.
 Mulch ring around a recently planted tree.
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Upcoming Events
 Brentwood-Darlington Doorhanging Volunteer Event
Saturday, July 12, 10am to 1pm
Brentwood City Park (6835 SE 60th Ave, Portland, OR 97206)
Join us for a volunteer event to help bring more trees to Brentwood-Darlington! This fall, residents can receive free street trees, but they need to know about it. With less than 25% tree cover, this neighborhood faces hotter streets and poorer air quality. By spending just two hours hanging doorhangers, you’ll help spread the word, connect with fellow tree lovers, and support a greener, healthier community for all.
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