Prepare Your Trees for Winter Weather - PP&R Urban Forestry staff share tips and resources

Published

September 11, 2026 8:04 am

In this article

(Portland, Oregon) -

As winter approaches, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Urban Forestry staff say now is the perfect time to have your trees evaluated by a professional to prepare for potential weather-related hazards. Large trees provide significant environmental and community benefits, but they can also present risks during extreme weather if not properly maintained.  

Why Now is the Time to Prepare
Autumn is a great time to hire a tree care professional to assess the health and safety of trees on your property before winter weather hits. Certified arborists can identify and address potential issues before it's too late. Taking preventive action now can help protect your trees and property from winter damage. 

PP&R arborists go to great heights to keep Portland's public trees pruned and to maintain our urban forest.

PP&R's Urban Forestry division offers an online list of local tree care providers. Listed companies meet the following qualifications:

• Completed the City's Local Tree Care Providers Workshop within the last year.
• Have a certified arborist or similarly credentialed tree professional on staff.
• No documented tree code violations or permitting issues in the past year.
• Have an active Portland business license.

A Portland Parks & Recreation arborist cleans up tree debris during a recent winter storm. PP&R crews fan out citywide during and after emergency events to keep roads and rights-of-way clear for emergency vehicles and for your ability to keep moving.

The Value of Large Trees

During extreme weather, while some trees or limbs may fall, millions of trees across Portland remain strong and provide essential services to our community. Large trees reduce neighborhood temperatures, improve air quality, and help mitigate the effects of climate change. Large trees are vital to Portland and maintaining them is critical to keeping our community healthy and our city beautiful. 

Permit Requirements

Before performing any major tree work including pruning, removal, or addressing risks, it's necessary to understand Portland's tree permit requirements. Visit the City's Tree Permits and Regulations page for details on when a permit is needed.

Portland's Tree Code and permit requirements help ensure the right trees are planted in the right places and cared for in ways that support long-term health and stability. Through City regulations, professional inspection, and tree permitting, Portland reduces tree failures and grows stronger, more resilient trees that can better withstand severe storms.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property and adjacent rights-of-way. For any tree-related issues on private property, including challenging maintenance and safety concerns, contact a private arborist. If a tree needs extensive pruning or removal, a permit may be required. 

Emergency and Maintenance Response

When storms hit, PP&R Urban Forestry crews work around the clock to address dangerous trees on public streets and City properties. Each year, the team responds to around 2,200 tree-related emergencies and gets Portland moving again.

To report tree emergencies on City property, including public streets and roads, call (503) 823-TREE and press 1 for the fastest response. For non-emergency tree issues and questions, email [email protected]

About PP&R's Urban Forestry Division

Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry cares for our vibrant and diverse urban forest - the 1.2 million trees in parks and natural areas, 333,000 street trees, and 2.9 million trees on private property.

Valued at $9.5 billion, Portland's trees are critical city infrastructure. Urban Forestry protects and grows this shared asset through tree planting and care, education, volunteer stewardship, and community partnerships-with research, data, and community feedback guiding our programs and services. Our work is informed by the Portland Urban Forest Plan, which provides a roadmap for protecting, expanding, and caring for Portland's trees. We are proud of our long history protecting this vital asset, reflected in the City's nearly 50-year recognition as a Tree City USA, our designation as a Tree City of the World,  and our accreditation for urban forestry excellence by the Urban and Community Forestry Society.  

Contact Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)'s Urban Forestry division at (503) 823-TREE (8733) or [email protected] for all tree-related questions, concerns, and City property tree emergencies.

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