City of Beaverton Public Works

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City of Beaverton Public Works

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Tree Removal/Pruning—
Frequently Asked Questions

Trees

The Landscape/Urban Forestry Maintenance Section is responsible for maintaining the landscapes of City-owned properties and right-of-ways, and for planting and maintaining street trees, offering educational classes and/or materials related to arboriculture, and providing professional arboriculture assistance to citizens.

Homeowners and business owners are responsible for the maintenance of street trees located within the right-of-way adjacent to their properties. For proper maintenance techniques, contact Urban Forestry at (503) 526-2206.


Tree Trimming Schedule & Map (PDF)


Does the City require a permit for a homeowner or business to remove a tree?

Yes, the City requires the owner of the property to obtain a permit prior to removing any tree located within the right-of-way. For permit application information, contact City of Beaverton Development Services Division at (503) 526-2420 for information on permits to remove a tree on private property and contact Site Development at (503) 526-2552 for information on tree work within the right-of-way.

Does the City require a permit for a homeowner or business to prune trees?

A homeowner should contact the City of Beaverton Development Services Division at (503) 526-2420 to determine if a permit will be required to prune trees. Be careful not to prune trees with overhead power lines running through or nearby - contact the appropriate utility company before pruning. Leave a stub when pruning tree limbs and always prune back to the branch collar (the visible ring near the trunk or main branch of the tree). Perform corrective pruning on young and small trees by removing the crossing or misdirected limbs (straight up or down) and co-dominate leaders.

What types of trees can be planted in the public right-of-way?

The City maintains a list of Approved Street Trees or you may contact Urban Forestry at (503) 526-2206.

Does the City maintain the parks system in the City of Beaverton?

No, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District (THPRD) maintains all 59 parks located within the City of Beaverton (PDF). For maintenance information, contact THPRD at (503) 645-3539.

Who is responsible for leaf disposal from street trees?

The property owner is responsible.

What are the street trees height regulations for providing proper clearance for traffic?

In residential areas, the street trees should be trimmed to not less than 12 feet over the street and not less than 8 feet over the sidewalk so that none of the branches block any part of the sidewalk or the street. On other streets such as major arterials and collectors, the street trees should be trimmed to not less than 14 feet over the street and not less than 10 feet over the sidewalk. (Measure straight up from the inside of the curb on the street side and straight up from the sidewalk side.) For more information, please refer to the City of Beaverton Tree Planting and Maintenance Policy (PDF) or contact Urban Forestry at (503) 526-2206.

Who maintains the water quality facility in my neighborhood?

The City of Beaverton Storm Drainage Collection Systems Maintenance Section is responsible for the maintenance of all water quality facilities (PDF) located within single family developments. For questions or requests for maintenance, contact the Storm Drainage Section at (503) 526-2568.

Does the City provide insect and disease control for street trees?

No, insect and disease control for trees located within the right-of-way is the responsibility of each property owner. For more information and recommendations for treatments, contact Urban Forestry at (503) 526-2206.

Does the City have any regulations regarding the planting of street trees?

Yes, please refer to the City of Beaverton Tree Planting and Maintenance Policy (PDF).

Unless otherwise stated, please call the Landscape/Urban Forestry Section at (503) 526-2206 to report a problem or obtain additional information.

Does the City have any regulations regarding the planting of street trees?

Yes, please refer to the City of Beaverton Tree Planting and Maintenance Policy (PDF).

Unless otherwise stated, please call the Landscape/Urban Forestry Section at (503) 526-2206 to report a problem or obtain additional information.

Things to Remember...

Tree
  • Do not top your trees. Topping a tree promotes sucker growth and produces multiple weaker branches at the top of tree.
  • Cut dead wood out of trees and shrubs.
  • Monitor for insects and only treat them when the tree cannot support the number of insects and/or they are causing physical damage to the tree.
  • Keep vegetation within the right-of-way and at corner lots at acceptable heights (below 3 feet for visibility reasons).
  • Remove tree suckers from base of the trees.
  • Water young street trees (planted 2 years or less) at least once a week with approximately 15 gallons of water.
  • Remove the tree stakes from young trees after the first year. Tree stake ties will prohibit proper growth if not removed.
  • Don't dump landscape materials into the street. During heavy rain events it will wash into the inlets and plug the water's way, which could cause flooding.

Call the Landscape/Urban Forestry Section at (503) 526-2206 to report a problem or obtain additional information. You can also use the Online Report a Problem Form to report a problem directly to the Public Works Department.


Frequently Asked Questions