Tree Removal

Growing a Stronger Urban Canopy

The City of Sherwood is dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and maintaining its urban forest. Our trees create a valuable backdrop for daily life in Sherwood.

While tree preservation is priority, removal can be necessary when a tree becomes hazardous, is in poor condition, damaging utilities or a nuisance as defined under City Ordinances. If you’re unsure about the health of a tree, we recommend consulting a certified arborist. If replacement is required, please follow the steps below.

Please note: All new and replacement street trees require a root barrier. This added cost helps prevent future root damage and protects both infrastructure and private property.

To Get Started:

Determine if the Tree Qualifies as a Street Tree

All trees located within a planter strip are considered street trees. For trees in a front yard without a planter strip, contact the planning department at planning@sherwoodoregon.gov or (503) 925-2308 to verify whether the tree is classified as a street tree.

Street tree maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

Determine Tree Diameter (DBH)

Tree diameter is measured at 4 1/2 feet above the average ground level at the base of the trunk and is also known as diameter at breast height, or DBH.

Measuring Tree DBH Instructions

Street Tree Process
FAQ’s
Resources

Street Tree Removal Application Permit Process

Street tree removal is limited and generally justified by the condition of the tree. The person removing the tree is responsible for all removal and replacement costs. Trees under five (5) inches DBH may be removed without permit, provided they are replaced within six (6) months. See below Steps to Apply, step 6 for additional information on tree replacement.

Obtain a Street Tree Removal Permit for trees more than Five inches (5″+) prior to starting work to remove a tree, unless the city manager or the manager’s designee authorizes the removal of a street tree in an emergency situation posing immediate threat to life, property or utilities (Municipal Code Section 16.140.060.E).

Submittal Checklist for Street Tree Removal Application

Criteria Required for Submittal:	Tree DBH Five – Ten Inches (5″ – 10″) – Type 1 Permit:	Tree DBH Over Ten Inches (10+):
1. Mark tree(s) requested for removal with ribbon.	Required	Required
2. Complete Street Tree Removal Application and include supporting materials listed below with initial application.	Required	Required
A. Tree location map	Required	Required
B. Existing tree(s) species / type.	Required	Required
C. Proposed replacement tree(s) species/type.	Required	Required
D. Letter from a certified arborist addressing: 1) Tree(s) existing condition. 2) Identifying any reasonable actions / alternatives that could be taken to allow the retention of the tree(s). 3) If the arborist states there is no reasonable actions/alternatives, then the letter should include information on why actions/alternatives are not viable.	If applicable	Required
E. An additional statement describing how the applicant sought assistance from the City Parks Department, HOA or neighbors to address any issues or actions that would enable the tree(s) to be retained. (include in narrative, arborist letter)	If applicable	Required
F. Letter from HOA supporting/approval of the tree(s) removal.	Required (if HOA)	Required (if HOA)
G. Narrative – completed by applicant and/or arborist indicating and explaining removal is warranted under the criteria for removal. Including why removal is warranted. Include: 1) Tree location map. 2) Existing tree(s) species / type. 3) Proposed replacement tree(s) species/type. 4) Mark location with map and ribbon.	If applicable	Required
H. Street Tree Exemption Request.	If applicable	If applicable
3. Post Sign provided from Planning Department (Post for 10 days). After posting time is completed return sign to the Planning Department.	Required	Required
4. A Decision is processed after Sign Posting Requirement is complete and will be sent by email. The planner will make every effort to complete by the end of the week after sign posting requirement is completed. If Removal is Approved, then Remove Tree.	Required	Required
5. Replace Tree with Root Barrier.	Required	Required

Click here for – Street Tree Removal Permit Application

Steps to Apply

Determine whether the tree qualifies as a Street Tree, and if a Street Tree Removal Permit is required.

Street tree maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

A full description of the street tree code can be found in the Sherwood Municipal Code Section 16.140.060 Street Trees

Measure the tree(s) diameter at breast height (DBH), and verify whether the removal criteria for tree(s) over five inches (5″+) apply.

A. DBH is measured at 4 1/2 feet above the average ground level at the base of the trunk. Use link for Street Tree DBH instructions.

B. Criteria for Removal per Municipal Code – Tree must be:

1. Dying, severely diseased, or infested.
2. Obstructing public ways or sight distance.
3. Damaging utilities.
4. Defined as a nuisance under City Ordinances.

Street Tree Removal Application and Payment (See table above for requirements).

A. Mark the tree(s) with a ribbon.

B. Complete and submit Street Tree Permit Application with required documents to the Planning Department by emailing planning@sherwoodoregon.gov (form completed by owner, manager or arborist). Application shall address all the relevant approval criteria and supporting materials listed on above table.

Street tree removals can only be granted if the application meets the criteria in the Municipal Code, Section 16.140.060.

C. After staff receives the application, they review documents and email an invoice for online payment.

Street Tree Removal Permits are processed by the Planning Department, and they will make every effort to invoice by the end of the submittal week. The associated fees can be found on the City of Sherwood Fee Schedule.

D. After an application is received, the Planning Department will provide a sign that must be posted on-site for ten (10) days to notify the public of the proposed tree removal. If public comments are received, then additional information such as a certified arborist report may be required. (Return the sign to Planning Department after posting requirement is satisfied).

If you need assistance with the application process, contact the Planning Department via email planning@sherwoodoregon.gov or by phone at (503)925-2308.

Street Tree Exemption Request

In addition to the information required in application section above the following information shall be submitted at time of application if requesting an exemption.

A. It is required to submit an arborist letter/report that must describe why the tree cannot be replaced without causing continued or additional damage to public or private utilities (if applicable).

1. Existing issues could not be prevented through reasonable maintenance or other preventative measures.

2. Why a replacement cannot be replanted in an alternative location.

3. An exemption will not violate existing space standards as defined under section 16.140.060.A.4 – Required Street Trees and Spacing, unless otherwise exempt.

B. The applicant/arborist will be required to submit a site plan that includes the dimensions clearly shown, scale, north arrow and legend.

Get permit approval before removal or starting work.

The Planning Department approves permits. Staff process Street Tree Removal Permits and will make every effort to email the decision to the applicant by the end of the week after sign posting is completed. Receive approval before removing any trees.

Remove and Replace the Tree(s).

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.

Trees shall have a minimum trunk diameter of two (2) caliper inches, which is measured six inches above the soil line, and a minimum height of six (6) feet when planted.

Install a root barrier for all new and replaced trees to protect infrastructure. If a tree trunk is within 4 feet of asphalt or concrete, then install an 18-inch-deep, 10-foot-long root barrier centered on the tree. See the Street Tree Detail with Root Barrier for additional information.

Tree Removal FAQ

Removed street trees must be replaced within six months of removal with a tree from the list of recommended street trees.

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. Visit their tree planting and care website.

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.