The City of Salem desires to line its streets with trees in order to capture the benefits trees provide for the whole community. This desire is tempered with the understanding that not every tree fits in every location. Certain trees have characteristics that are inappropriate in a street setting, and every tree needs specific growing conditions under which it can thrive. With this knowledge, Urban Forestry has designed the following interactive street tree database. The list of acceptable trees generated by the database helps to begin the process of choosing the right tree for your planting location. 

Please note that this is only the beginning of the selection process. Overhead power lines and planting strip width are used to begin limiting the overall species list. The generated tree list is comprised of links to fact sheets that include photos of tree species to help you choose tree characteristics that are pleasing to you. Besides personal preference, there could be site constraints that influence tree species selection. Final approval of your choices can only be determined by having a city staff member visit your site and speak with you about your preferences.  

Once you have narrowed down your choices please call us and we will conduct a site evaluation to help determine the right tree for the right place. Urban Forestry operates a program to help purchase and plant street trees, or can issue tree planting permits.  Regardless of who plants a tree in street right-of-way, Urban Forestry must review and approve the species, quantity, and planting location.  Thank you for your interest in beautifying your neighborhood and the City. For more information or to request a site visit call Urban Forestry at 503-588-6335 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To Begin:

Enter “Yes” or “No” into the "Overhead Power" box and select the appropriate planting strip width range from the "Planting Strip Width” pull down.  The image shows how to measure your actual planting strip width used in determining the correct range.  If the sidewalk is curb attached, or if no sidewalk exists, then use the 8+ range designation.  With the answers provided, this web page will create a list of appropriate trees with links to individual fact sheets.