We want to fill Salem's streets with trees because they provide many benefits for our community. To keep these trees healthy and safe, you must get a permit to plant, remove, treat, or prune trees on City-owned property. This includes trees growing in the planter strips between the street and sidewalk. Following the rules in Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 86 and Administrative rule 109-500 helps protect our trees and public safety. 

Understanding how to care for street trees is important for everyone in Salem. Trees improve air quality, provide shade, and enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods. By following the proper procedures, we can ensure that our community continues to enjoy these benefits. The Community Forestry Strategic Plan acknowledges the benefits of trees, establishes six goals, and sets specific actions, priorities, and partnerships needed to achieve those goals.

Can You Remove Trees on Your Private Property?

Activities Requiring a Permit

You need a permit for activities that affect City trees, such as:

• Removing trees (non-development related) [SRC 86.090(a)].
• Planting a tree
• Pruning a tree
• Installing lights or other attachments on City trees
• Collecting cuttings or other materials from trees for commercial purposes
• Construction work within the dripline of a City tree
• Removing trees for Development Projects (additional permits may be required if the tree is protected)

You can get street tree applications by email, mail, or in person from Development Services at the Permit Application Center located at 440 Church St SE, 5th Floor.

Learn more about selecting and planting street trees.

Services the City Provides for Street Trees

The City of Salem Urban Forestry Division offers the following services: 

• Structural pruning for recently planted trees every 3-5 years to ensure their health and shape
• Removing trees that are in poor, hazardous, or dead condition
• Pruning deadwood and fixing structural defects in mature trees
• Clearance pruning from signals, traffic signs, and streetlights
• Raising limbs to a minimum height of 14 feet over streets
• Raising limbs to a minimum height of 8 feet over sidewalks
• Tree inspections and service request reviews by ISA Certified Arborists
• Stump removal
• Emergency tree work to keep streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks clear for pedestrians 

Resources for Pruning Limbs Away From Utility Lines

The City crews are not "Line Clearance Certified."

Do not touch downed lines!

Permit Process

To obtain a permit for activities that require one: 

1. Submit a completed application (available at Development Services) in-person, or by mail to:
   • City of Salem Permit Application Center, P.O. Box 14300, Salem, OR 97309.
   • Applications can also be submitted by email to developmentservices@cityofsalem.net
2. After receiving your application, the City's Urban Forester will review it. 
3. If you are applying to remove a City tree and your application is approved, the neighborhood association will be notified. This information will be posted for at least 30 days. 
4. If the tree is in the Historic District, the removal is subject to Historic Design Review under [SRC Chapter 230].

Tree Permit Fees

Refer to the City's Fee Schedule to view the current fees for street tree-related permits.

Report Illegal Tree Removal

If you see anyone other than City staff removing or pruning City trees, or if you notice any damage to these trees, please report it to Public Works Dispatch by calling 503-588-6311 or emailing service@cityofsalem.net.