Trees
Wilsonville citizens take great pride in the community asset called the urban forest. What is the urban forest? The urban forest is comprised of all trees in the city, both native and planted, that contribute to the seasonal beauty and livability of the community. Whether it is a majestic 200-year old Oregon White Oak, or a young Flowering Cherry, trees greatly contribute to the sense of place and quality of life in Wilsonville. Trees help clean the air, conserve the soil and water, reduce heating and cooling costs, and bring nature close to where we live.
Tree City USA Recognized
The commitment to a healthy urban forest is evidenced by Wilsonville being Tree City USA recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community. Wilsonville has held this title since 1997 and has been granted numerous "Growth Awards" for outstanding efforts on urban forest projects. This status indicates the city’s long-term dedication to the care of trees that are the urban forest as well as the city's Heritage Tree Program, which seeks to preserve trees of special historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there recommended trees in the development code for landscaping?
Yes. Wilsonville Code section 4.176, titled Landscaping, Screening, and Buffering, regulates materials, placement, layout, and timing of installation of all landscape.
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Can I be reimbursed for trees I buy to replace the trees I cut down?
The City of Wilsonville Tree Replacement Reimbursement Program offers reimbursement for a replacement tree to any type A tree removal permit grantee who buys and plants a tree and provides the appropriate documentation. Applicants can receive up to $100 per person per year from the city’s tree fund.
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Can I cut down a street tree?
Approvals to cut down street trees are given by the Planning Division through the tree permitting process. Permits to cut down street trees are only granted under exceptional circumstances, such as when a tree is presenting an imminent hazard to person or property. Staff may give authorization to remove a tree after performing a site visit and/or requiring an arborist’s report be submitted with the application to offer an ISA certified arborist’s professional opinion on the trees health. All street trees permitted to be removed require mitigation (replanting) by the property owner.
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Can trees be cut down on property along the Willamette River?
All properties in Wilsonville that border the Willamette River are affected by the Willamette River Greenway (WRG) overlay zone. Generally, the WRG is 150 feet from the ordinary low water line up the bank on either side of the river. Because the intent of the WRG overlay zone is to enhance and protect the scenic view of the river, tree cutting in this zone requires a conditional use permit (CUP) which is granted by the Development Review Board. See Wilsonville Code section 4.514 for more information.
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Can trees be cut down on property in the Significant Resource Overlay Zone (SROZ)?
The SROZ protects the most important natural resources in the City of Wilsonville. All proposed tree cutting in the SROZ requires a Significant Resource Impact Report (SRIR) prior to any tree removal. Prior to tree cutting activities in the SROZ, property owners will need to coordinate with members of the Planning Division and Natural Resources Program. The creation of snags and woody debris will be required for most tree removal activities in the SROZ. See Wilsonville Code section 4.139.00.
If there is imminent danger to the public’s health, safety, and welfare, one may initiate measures to remove or abate a hazard under the emergency exemptions provision of the Wilsonville Code. An imminent hazard must be documented and submitted to city staff after the emergency has been eliminated. View the SROZ Map.
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Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
Yes, any tree in the City, six inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), measured at four and one-half feet above grade, requires a permit prior to cutting it down.
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Do I need a permit to prune a tree on my property?
No. The Tree Code requires pruning to be performed according to the most current version of the ANSI 300 standards for tree, shrub, and other woody plant maintenance. Topping of trees is prohibited.
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Does the city have information on naturescaping?
Yes. Periodically, the city in conjunction with other agencies offers workshops on naturescaping. Naturescaping is landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist. By incorporating native plants into your yard, you can attract insects, birds, and other creatures and help keep Wilsonville’s wetlands and streams healthy. Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for more information.
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Does the city have information on xeriscaping?
Yes, the Guidelines for a Water Wise Landscape Manual explains what xeriscaping is and how you can implement a water efficient landscape.
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Does the City of Wilsonville have an ordinance regulating trees?
Yes. It is found in Wilsonville City Code Section 4.600.
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How many trees can I cut down at once?
A Type A Tree Removal Permit allows a property owner to remove three trees per property, per calendar year, per permit.
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How much does a Type A Tree permit cost?
The Type A Tree Permit costs $25.
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How much does a Type B Tree Removal cost?
The cost depends on the number of trees being proposed for removal. See the Planning Fee Schedule.
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I am proposing to develop property and may have to remove trees. What do I have to do?
A Type C Tree Removal Plan must be applied for if a property owner is proposing to remove trees as part of a site development application. To start this process, an application needs to be submitted via the City's Online Permitting Portal, as well as paying the fee. When applying for a Type C Tree Removal Plan online, you must submit a "DRB Master Plan application."
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Is there a list of recommended street trees for development projects?
The City does not have an official street tree list. Please see the Recommended Street Tree List or contact the Planning Division for the latest resources on street trees.
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Is there a standard drawing for planting street trees?
Yes. The Engineering Division’s Public Works Standards Drawing R-1157 demonstrates how street trees should be planted in relation to other infrastructure. This drawing also demonstrates minimum vertical clearances for streets and sidewalks, root barrier requirements, and site planning relating to trees and parking requirements.
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What are heritage trees?
Heritage trees are trees that have been classified as unique and/or significant by a volunteer citizen committee. If you would like to nominate a tree to be designated a Heritage tree, or, be on the committee, please call Georgia McAlister, Associate Planner at 503-682-4960.
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What are street trees?
Street trees are trees that have been required to be planted as part of a land use approval for entire residential subdivisions, commercial, and industrial developments. Street trees can be found in the public right of way, as well as on private property. Older subdivisions often have street trees planted in front yards, on private property. Call the Planning Division to discuss questions related to street trees or the status of a tree at 503-682-4960.
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What if a windstorm or other natural phenomenon has damaged or partially damaged a tree on my property?
If a tree has been damaged or is likely to cause imminent injury or damage to person or property, tree removal is allowed without a permit. However, the property owner must take a photograph, or still image of the tree, that will clearly demonstrate the hazard(s) that are to be mitigated by removing the tree. The property owner must still apply for a retroactive type A tree removal permit within 30 days following the emergency removal and include proof of hazard.
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What if I want to cut down 4 trees or more?
A Type B Tree removal permit is required. An applicant will need to apply for a Type B Tree Removal via the City's Online Permitting Portal, and upload all required documentation for staff to review. Once staff has confirmed the application type, fees will be invoice for payment. An application is not considered officially submitted until all documents have been received and fees have been paid.
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What is a Type C Tree Removal permit? How much does it cost?
A Type C TreeRemoval Plan must be applied for if a property owner is proposing to remove trees as part of a site development application. The cost depends on the number of trees being proposed for removal. See the Planning Fee Schedule.
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Where can I find more information on trees?
You can find additional information on trees at the following websites:
National Arbor Day and Tree City USA programs
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Where can I get information on requirements for a tree protection plan, related to a Type C Tree Removal permit?
The tree code provides a detailed list of requirements for tree protection plans. See Wilsonville Code subsection 4.610.40(.02) and section 4.620.10 The Public Works standards provides a drawing that demonstrates the minimum requirements for tree protection fencing on site. See the Public Works Standards Drawing R-1155.
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Supporting Documents
Street Tree List (21 KB) 