Tree Removal

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The City of Sherwood is committed to preserving, enhancing and maintaining its urban forest. The city's trees provide an important backdrop for life in Sherwood.

Though the city does not encourage removal of trees, sometimes it is necessary. This is especially true when trees are considered hazardous or in poor condition. If you are unsure of the condition of your tree, we recommend that you have a certified arborist take a look at it. If it is determined that a tree must be replaced follow the steps below.

Please note that a root barrier is required for all new and replaced street trees. This will add to the cost of replacement and is intended to prevent or slow down root damage and help protect infrastructure and homeowners in the long run.

Street Tree Removal Permit Process

Step 1. Determine if a Street Tree Removal Permit is required
Street Trees over 5” Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and the removal of more than five trees on one property require tree removal permits. DBH is measured at 4 1/2 feet above the average ground level at the base of the trunk.

All trees within a planter strip are considered street trees.  For trees in a front yard without a planter strip call the Planning Department at 503.925.2308 to determine if the tree is a street tree.

A full description of the street tree code can be found in the Sherwood Municipal Code Section 16.142.060 Street Trees 

Step 2. Complete a Street Tree Removal Permit Application
To apply for a permit, fill out and submit a completed Street Tree Removal Permit Application, to the Planning Department, addressing all the relevant approval criteria, and pay the applicable fee.

Street tree removals can only be granted if the application meets the criteria in the 16.142.060 in the Municipal Code shown below.  Approvals are sent to the applicant and must be received prior to removal of trees.

There are two levels of street tree permits:

1. Trees between 5 -10" DBH may be removed if one of the following criteria are met:
a. The tree is dying, becoming severely diseased, or infested or diseased so as to threaten the health of other trees.
b. The tree is obstructing public ways or sight distance so as to cause a safety hazard.
c. The tree is interfering with or damaging public or private utilities (lawn sprinkler systems do not qualify).
d. The tree is defined as a nuisance per City nuisance abatement ordinances.  

An arborist report may be requested, but is not required to submit the application. 

 2. Street Trees over 10" DBH follows the same process as trees between 5-10" DBH, but require:
a. An arborist report addressing the tree’s condition and what warrants the removal of the tree using the criteria above. 
b. A statement from the applicant describing whether and how assistance was sought to retain the tree from the HOA, neighbors and/or the City.

If you need assistance with the application process, contact the Planning Department at 503.925.2308.

Step 3.  Receive a permit before removal 
Permits are approved by staff.  After an application is received, a notice will be posted, on site, for ten days identifying that an application has been made to remove the tree with replacement.  If no comments are received the permit should be granted.  

Street Tree Removal Permits are processed on Fridays and cost $25 for the first tree; $10 for each additional tree.   Click the link below to download the application form. Please note that a root barrier is required for all new and replaced street trees. This will add to the cost of replacement.

Step 4.  Replace the tree
A replacement tree is required unless the City approves an exemption. The exemption must be granted at the time the permit is applied for and requires a letter from a certified arborist.   Removed street trees must be replaced within six months of removal with a tree from the list of recommended street trees.

A root barrier is required for all new and replaced street trees to help prevent damage to infrastructure. All trees with trunks closer than 4 feet to asphalt or concrete surface must have a minimum of an 18 inch root barrier installed at 10 feet in length and centered on tree. See the Street Tree Detail for additional information.  

Tree Planting and Care
The Oregon State University Extension Service also has  a publication on Selecting, Planting and Caring for a New Tree. 

The Arbor Day Foundation has some excellent information on tree planting and care.  Click here for their tree planting and care website.

Need an arborist?
Search for a certified arborist on the International Society of Arboriculture website.  This is a voluntary listing and may not include all the arborists in our area with an ISA credential.

Tree Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a permit to remove a tree at my house? 
A:  Maybe. Trees on individual single family lots do not require a permit, unless they are a street tree.  A tree removal permit is required for street trees. If not a street tree, you can remove up to five trees in a calendar year. 

Though the City of Sherwood does not encourage removal of trees, sometimes it is necessary. This is especially true when trees are considered hazardous or in poor condition. The following is a list of street tree removal requests that have been received by the City. Street tree removals can only be granted if the application meets the criteria in the 16.142.060 in the Municipal Code.

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